Gerard D'Amore's Recent Appointment to the NOSB and the Importance of Participation

The NOSB is a 15-member voluntary board that assists the National Organic Program (NOP) in developing standards for substances used in organic production. It also gives advice and recommendations to the USDA Secretary of Agriculture on many aspects of the organic standards.  

Produce industry veteran, Gerard D’Amore has been appointed to serve on the handler seat of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), a 15-member voluntary board that assists the National Organic Program (NOP) in developing standards for substances used in organic production.

D’Amore brings 44 years of professional in agriculture, interacting in a wide variety of international and domestic settings, including specialized growing, marketing and distribution of produce from some of the industry largest grower/shipper organizations. Since 2014, he has served as a consultant to the fresh produce industry working out of Watsonville, CA.

He was previously director of sourcing and new business development for SunnyRidge Farm and with Dole Fresh. From 1999 to 2005, he held three successive VP positions with Driscoll’s. Gerard also worked for Chiquita Brands from 1992 to 1999, spending most of the time living in Turkey and introducing bananas to the Black Sea region.

D'Amore‘s extensive experience in hydroponic greenhouse production and with berry crops, along with sales, marketing and logistics will be particularly relevant to the work of the NOSB.  

“I spent my entire adult life in the produce business. I ran hydroponic greenhouses in Saudi Arabia for four years and in Virginia for over a decade. My years involved as an owner operator of greenhouse systems had me intrigued about the concept of organic since its inception,” D’Amore said.  

“I believe that organic is a value contract between the grower and the consumer. It’s a different offering than conventional and if consumers are willing to pay more, then it needs a solid definition and a set of appropriate regulations to assure its integrity,” he said. “There is an extensive set of regulations that govern organic production and it is incumbent upon all involved to understand what is expected of them. I am excited to be a part of that process.”

D’Amore acknowledges there are issues in the organic process. “I think a key issue surrounding the organic program is that, over time, we, collectively, have given way to other causes. And, as we opened the door to address those causes, we have created confusion,” he said.  “Sustainable, social responsibility, urban/local, feeding the world, climate change, etc., are all wonderful concepts and initiatives but is it proper, practical or necessary to capture all of these under one umbrella?

The next National Organic Standards Board meeting on April 29 – May 1, in Arlington, VA will be D’Amore’ s first meeting.

“All those with a stake in the organic program should be involved! The organic label has great value, and all concerned should actively participate in the administration and direction of the program,” he said. “However, as we all engage to define and improve the program, let’s not let the ‘perfect’ harm the ‘good’. We all want to improve upon our contribution to the benefits of the initiative.  Improvement will be incremental as we seek perfection. An open mind and a respectful approach will make the path towards perfection easier to travel."