Side Effects of the Pandemic: Resources for tending to your well-being

All of us have had to respond to the now on-going pandemic but have we even had the opportunity to stand aside and realize the accumulated impacts we have weathered?  The economic impacts are measurable and support efforts for the agricultural supply chain are happening, but what about the parts we don’t see? The more […]

Read More… from Side Effects of the Pandemic: Resources for tending to your well-being

An Uncertain Future for U.S. Hemp?

green cannabis plants during daytime

It seems like there are new developments surrounding the hemp industry every day–and not all of them are positive. The European Union recently voted to deny a hemp industry-supported application to add hemp & hemp-derived CBD extracts to the EU’s list of “novel foods.” Hemp’s addition to that list would have allowed all hemp parts […]

Read More… from An Uncertain Future for U.S. Hemp?

Reduced Cost Share Reimbursement & How to Apply

On August 10, 2020, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency announced a change in reimbursement for those participating in the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Per the announcement, certified producers and handlers are now eligible to receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the certification expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per scope. Previously, […]

Read More… from Reduced Cost Share Reimbursement & How to Apply

The USDA’s Game-Changing Proposed Rule: Open for Comments

On August 5, 2020 the USDA released their “Strengthening Organic Enforcement” proposed rule, opening a 60 day public comment period. The changes are meant to improve organic oversight and to protect integrity in the organic supply chain. The proposal includes: Reduced exemptions from certification requiring more operations to be certified Requirements for import certificates for […]

Read More… from The USDA’s Game-Changing Proposed Rule: Open for Comments

United States Streamlines Organic Trade with Taiwan

The USDA has announced a new U.S.-Taiwan equivalence arrangement, effective May 30, 2020, that streamlines organic trade with Taiwan. The arrangement allows organic products certified in the United States or Taiwan to be sold as organic in either market. It also protects access for American organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses to this significant export market. Taiwan […]

Read More… from United States Streamlines Organic Trade with Taiwan

India Requires a Certificate of Inspection for Exports to the United States

The National Organic Program (NOP) reminds certifiers and importers that India requires a Certificate of Inspection for the export of organic products to the United States. The Certificate is to be issued by a government-accredited certification agent via India’s TraceNet system. This final export transaction certificate is provided to the U.S. importer to validate the organic status and volume of […]

Read More… from India Requires a Certificate of Inspection for Exports to the United States