Organic Association Adds Support to New USDA Rule
On July 8, the Organic Trade Association issued a statement welcoming USDA’s efforts to boost the integrity of the global organic market through its Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Proposed Rule, soon to be published in the Federal Register.
The SOE Proposed Rule is the largest single piece of rulemaking since the implementation of the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. According to the OTA, it will fundamentally transform the oversight and enforcement of organic production worldwide.
The Organic Trade Association, on behalf of its members, has been working with Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill debate leading up to this new rule. Several proposed requirements are the outcome of the Organic Trade Association’s priorities and successful legislative work in the 2018 Farm Bill, such as closing the loophole on uncertified handlers by requiring certification and mandating electronic certificates for all imports. In addition to its advocacy for the Farm Bill provisions, in November 2018, the Organic Trade Association submitted comments to the USDA on its top priorities for boosting the integrity of the global organic market, identifying 15 areas where improvements are needed to strengthen the global organic control system.
For more information on the Organic Trade Association, please visit ota.com.
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