Dear All, Here is an update on the Spring 2016 meeting of the NOSB (National Organics Standards Boards): - the topic of packaging substances was removed from the agenda of the meeting at the last minute, because the board had required a technical report* on packaging substances which has not been received yet. According to the meeting notes, it seems to have been pushed to Fall 2016, and could even be delayed to Spring 2017 if the report is late. * these technical reports are done by external or internal contracting groups such as the AMS Agricultural Analytics Division, ICF International, the Organic Materials Review Institute, or the Pesticide Research Institute REMARK This is not a setback, but an opportunity to grow our numbers. Regardless of the NOSB's administrative pace, it is crucial to make our voices louder at each meeting, ESPECIALLY as there seems to be a risk for the topic of plastics to be shadowed by the topic of Bisphenol A (BPA). NEXT GOAL 1) DEADLINE OCTOBER 26, 2016 2) PETITION NEW GOAL 100,000 SIGNATURES (we are currently 11,289 people, so we can do this!!!) ACTION Could I ask again for your amazing visibility support in growing this petition? - Over the coming 4 weeks, please share it on social media while asking people to SHARE in turn. - Every repeat / reminder post will help to accelerate towards our goal. LINK TO PETITION https://www.change.org/p/ban-the-use-of-plastic-packaging-for-organic-produce SHORT LINK TO PETITION http://tinyurl.com/hdfcb3m If you would like to attend & submit your personal comments (written and oral), all logistical details of the Fall 2016 Meeting (November 16-18 in St. Louis, MO) in the link below. THANK YOU AGAIN WARMLY FOR YOUR HELP IN FIGHTING PLASTIC POLLUTION. WE WILL MAKE THINGS CHANGE. ++