Today the USDA published the final Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule in the Federal Register. This long-awaited regulatory update is intended to reduce fraud, strengthen oversight of both organic operations and certifiers, and improve the USDA’s enforcement tools.
OneCert started gearing up two years ago by making sure we have enough experienced staff ready to implement these new regulations. We are reviewing the final updates in detail so we can help you navigate these changes. For now, here is an overview of what to expect…
Will you be affected by the rule?
The rule will have impacts across the industry including certifying bodies, inspectors, certified organic operations, new applicants, businesses that import or trade organic products, and retailers that sell organic products.
To learn more about how the rule will affect you, read the full rule here.
What has changed?
Per the press release issued by the USDA, the key updates found in SOE include:
- Requiring certification of more of the businesses, like brokers and traders, as critical links in organic supply chains.
- Requiring NOP Import Certificates for all organic imports.
- Requiring organic identification on nonretail containers.
- Increasing authority for more rigorous on-site inspections of certified operations.
- Requiring uniform qualification and training standards for organic inspectors and certifying agent personnel.
- Requiring standardized certificates of organic operations.
- Requiring additional and more frequent reporting of data on certified operations.
- Creating authority for more robust recordkeeping, traceability practices, and fraud prevention procedures.
- Clarifying certification requirements for producer groups.
When do the changes go into effect?
There is a 14-month implementation window from the date of publication. Which means all new SOE requirements must be implemented by March 18, 2024.
How can OneCert help you implement these changes?
Stay tuned and check our blog frequently! We will be posting some deep dives on the changes most likely to impact you.
If you are an importer or trader that will be required to become certified for the first time, we can help you through that process. We have even developed a streamlined “Trader” application packet for those of you that do not ever take physical possession of organic goods. Request a packet here or email us at info@onecert.com with your questions.
We also have some exciting new tools in development for OneCert clients. More info coming soon!
