The rule with the title: “Strengthening Organic Enforcement” is still hanging fire at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

It’s said to be the single largest piece of organic food rule-making since the National Organic Program (NOP) was birthed by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. The NOP is the

Continue Reading Rule to reform and update enforcement of organic industry remains alive

Today marks the beginning of the semi-annual meeting of the National Organic Standards Board, which advises the USDA’s National Organic Program on policies and regulations.

The five-day meeting will be live online with a recorded version to be posted on the National Organic Program website. 

“With input from
Continue Reading National organics meeting begins today; watch by Zoom or listen by phone

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is inviting the public to submit written comments or provide oral comments at its Fall 2021 business meeting. 

In the United States, organic agriculture makes up less than 1 percent of total agriculture according to the USDA. The majority of those acres are owned
Continue Reading National Organic Standards Board asks for public comments on variety of topics

The USDA’s Organic Program (NOP) is changing its approach to oversight of imports from India. 

The USDA is ending its recognition agreement that had allowed Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority accredited certifiers to provide USDA organic certification in India. The APEDA is an apex body under the
Continue Reading USDA increasing certification requirements for organic imports from India

The USDA is today publishing a notice in the Federal Register to further delay and reconsider new mandates for handling and transporting livestock and providing avian “living conditions” for poultry raised as organic food.

Without the action, the new requirements under the National Organic Program would have taken effect today.
Continue Reading USDA delays Obama’s organic livestock standards for review

Consumers buying pricey organic produce would likely be upset if they knew the imported fruits and vegetables they pay premium prices for are sometimes doused with chemicals when they reach the United States.

A new report by USDA’s Inspector General looks at the National Organic Program’s international “arrangements and agreements”
Continue Reading Inspector General again finds weaknesses in organic imports