Taylor Farms is thrilled to announce that Amanda Felder, our Organic Integrity and Environmental Compliance Manager, has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This 15-member board advises the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on policies that govern organic food and product production, ensuring the sector continues to grow with integrity and transparency.
Amanda will hold one of the Handler seats on the Board — an appointment that perfectly reflects her extensive experience with organic standards, certification, and compliance. She will serve a five-year term starting in January 2025 and running through January 2030.
Amanda joins a group of newly appointed NOSB members from diverse backgrounds in regulatory affairs, category strategy management, environmental advocacy, and hands-on organic farming. Their collective expertise will be pivotal in guiding the board’s recommendations, especially as the organic food sector continues to expand and evolve.
A Long-Standing Commitment to Organic Integrity
Amanda’s role at Taylor Farms includes overseeing a wide network of farming, food processing, and manufacturing operations, ensuring each adheres to the stringent requirements of organic certification. In her day-to-day work, she manages complex organic compliance protocols, from verifying that farms maintain approved soil and pest management practices to reviewing product packaging and labeling.
“I am deeply honored to join the National Organic Standards Board and contribute to the vital work of supporting organic farming and sustainable agriculture,” Amanda said. “I look forward to collaborating with such dedicated professionals to uphold the integrity and growth of the organic movement for the benefit of our communities, our farmers, and our planet.”
Advocating for Transparency (and Quality)
The NOSB plays a key role in reviewing and developing the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances, a cornerstone of organic regulation. Proposals that receive decisive votes from Board members become recommendations to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service National Organic Program, which shapes how organic products are grown, handled, and processed nationwide. The board addresses issues like residue testing, crop insurance, and certification protocols.
John McKeon, Director of Organic Integrity at Taylor Farms, has worked closely with Amanda for years and is excited about her leadership in this new role. “Amanda will serve this board well, bringing a depth of knowledge in organic regulations and real-world navigation of certification services and inspections,” he said. “She is amazing at what she does and should give us additional integrity and visibility in the industry.”
Amanda’s new appointment has spurred enthusiasm well beyond our team here at Taylor Farms. As a member of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), she shares this achievement with fellow appointee and IFPA member Andrea Hatziyannis — Category Strategy Manager at Sprouts Farmers Market — who was also named to the NOSB.
Cathy Burns, IFPA CEO, praised the newest board members:
Congrats, Amanda!
We couldn’t be prouder of Amanda’s well-deserved recognition. As she contributes to maintaining the highest standards for organic food, her impact will be felt not only throughout our company and partner farms but also across the broader organic community. We look forward to supporting her as she helps shape the future of organic policy, ensuring that consumers, farmers, and the environment all benefit from the ongoing growth of organic agriculture!