The Aquaponics Association submitted its official comment to the NOSB ahead of the Fall 2017 Meeting, at which it will vote on aquaponics' organic future. The Association will also deliver web comments later this month. Here is the state of the Association's Aquaponic and Hydroponic Organic Coalition: Aquaponics and Hydroponics Organic Coalition Comment for the Fall 2017 NOSB MeetingThe Aquaponic and Hydroponic Organic Coalition recommends that the NOSB allow organic certification of aquaponic and hydroponic (AP/HP) farms that are compliant with USDA organic standards. These farming methods align with the organic  mission and the integrity of the organic label stands much to gain by including them. AP/HP are critical to improving the sustainability of our agricultural system, but revoking organic eligibility would move these industries backwards at a time we must foster their growth.AP/HP fit the Organic mission. The Organic label is about empowering consumers to identify products that match their values. Consumers do not prefer organic because it is grown in soil; they prefer it because it is pesticide-free, environmentally sustainable, and relies on natural ecosystems for plant growth. So the question is: do AP/HP align with what the consumer expects when they purchase organic? Yes.“Organic” is perceived by consumers to mean:-Production without synthetic chemicals. AP/HP do not require synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.-Production that fosters the cycling of resources, ecological balance, and biodiversity conservation. AP/HP can be constructed as closed-loop ecosystems in which only the minimum required water and nutrients are added and with minimal or no discharge. AP/HP have also proven they can produce more food than soil culture per land area, thus saving more of the natural environment from the toll of agriculture.-Production that relies on biological ecosystems to support plant health. Organic AP/HP production relies on a robust microflora in the root zone—made of the same types and numbers of bacteria and fungi that thrive in soil. This flora converts nutrients into forms available to plants and maintains plant health by reinforcing naturally-occurring mechanisms of disease resistance—just as in a healthy soil. (see attached Soil Food Web Report)-Production that responds to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices. Consumers expect that organic produce has been grown with a healthy human element, where local customs, expertise, and ingenuity can overcome droughts, concrete jungles, and climate changes. AP/HP allow environmentally-sensitive agriculture where growing in soil isn’t possible.The benefits of AP/HP include: water savings, reduced nutrient use and fertilizer runoff, shorter supply chains, food safety, and space efficiency.In an era of climate change, resource depletion, and rapid population growth, the organic price premium is a critical incentive to draw more entrants into this market. If the NOSB revokes AP/HP organic eligibility, these industries will not grow as quickly and our environment, health, and economy will suffer.AP/HP align with the values of organic that consumers expect, and they are highly sustainable. Rather than placing a greater toll on our environment and health, the NOSB should retain the organic eligibility of aquaponics and hydroponics.Thank you,The Aquaponic and Hydroponic Organic CoalitionMembers:Agua Dulce FarmAnacostia AquaponicsAquaberry GardensArbordale NurseriesArchi's InstituteAssociation for Vertical FarmingAustin AquaponicsBerry Audit ServicesBlue Mojo Farm, LLCBoto WaterworksCali Summer ClubsCC Grow Inc.CEA Fresh FarmsCenter Valley Organics LLCCincinnati Hills Christian AcademyCity of Minot North DakotaNC Simple Life Farms LLCDowntown Farms and AquaponicsEdenworksEvergreensFazenda Urbana Inc.FloppyHatFarmsFresh Farm Aquaponics, IncFreshies AquaponicsFriendly Aquaponics, IncGateshead Consulting CorporationGreat Lakes Growers LLCHATponicsHeartland Aquaponics, LLCJenoe Group – HydroponicsJoLi FarmsJoyful J FarmsKabcao AquaponicsLaughing Bear EnterprisesLiving Justly IndustriesLotus Urban Farm and Garden SupplyMaking Seeds 2 CellManas OrganicMarine Science Faculty, Autonomous University of SinaloaMoroccan association of hydroponicsNortheast Brooklyn Housing Development CorporationOko Farms, LLCProfound MicrofarmsRainsmith Agritech/AquaponicsRenew RichmondRe-NubleSolar Spice and Tea Trading CompanySpringworks FarmSymbiotic AquaponicSynergy Star EventsTerraFirma AquaponixxTexas Organic MattersThe Family Fish Farms Network, IncTrifecta Ecosystems, IncVERDEENVerticulture FarmsWindy City Harvest / Chicago Botanic GardenYep Yep Organic FarmIndividuals:Amber C. MonroeAndrew CarterEverett L MeltonImad JabbourIvy DieneJuan Pablo PesalacciaKrishnagopal SharmaMarc L. MaynardMatthew HenleyPeter TylerXina Ash