Despite repeated calls by Board Chair Jean Richardson and other NOSB members for “organic unity,” the Spring 2105 meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was a continuation of the confusion, conflict and undemocratic processes that marred the previous two NOSB meetings in Louisville and San Antonio.

Taking center stage this year at what Cornucopia Institute’s Mark Kastel referred to as “organic regulatory theater,” was the issue of whether or not to allow operators of large, factory farm-like organic poultry operations to feed even more non-organic, totally synthetic methionine to their broiler chickens.

OCA testified against allowing the increase, and presented more than 17,000 signatures on a petition calling on the NOSB to phase out the use of synthetic methionine.

We lost (for now), thanks to a deciding—and decidedly theatrical—vote cast by a board member. Via Skype. From his hospital bed. While being cheered on by his cohorts.