The future of organic cost share funding is uncertain. Congress’s recent Farm Bill extension failed to fund this critical program, which helps organic operations cover certification costs. Coupled with a federal funding freeze, this puts cost share and other vital USDA programs in jeopardy. This means organic farmers and businesses could face significantly higher expenses […]
Read More… from Act Now: Plan for Cost Share Changes in 2025
The process can be overwhelming. The free Planned Approach to Organic Transition program can help by providing you with one-on-one support from a personalized team of advisors, including organic farmers and certification experts. LEARN MORE HERE […]
Read More… from ARE YOU NEW TO ORGANIC FARMING OR THINKING ABOUT TRANSITIONING?
Dear OneCert, my inspector said I need to be ready for a “Mass Balance Audit” at my inspection. What does that mean? What records do I need to have available for them to complete this exercise? 7 CFR 205.403(d) The on-site inspection of an operation must verify:(4) Mass-balances, in that quantities of organic product and ingredients produced […]
Read More… from Dear OneCert: Demystifying the Mass Balance Audit
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking includes new requirements for nonretail containers used to ship or store certified organic agricultural products. In response to this change, OneCert has updated forms and procedures to collect information that will comply with the new requirements. This guidance is for OneCert clients, to aid with completing forms and providing […]
According to the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) regulation update §205.201(a)(3), all organic operations are now required to establish monitoring practices and procedures to prevent fraud in the organic industry (these procedures are often referred to as Fraud Prevention Plans or “FPPs”). The NOP states Fraud Prevention Plans are required for every operation, and they must […]
Read More… from Organic Fraud Prevention Plan Guidance for Handlers and Processors
On May 17, the USDA launched its new GLOBAL Organic Integrity Database or ‘GLOBAL OID.’ The new GLOBAL OID is a clone of the current Organic Integrity Database, but includes operations certified to both the Canadian Organic Regime (COR) standards and USDA standards by accredited certifying agents. GLOBAL OID is part of the Trade Partners […]
Read More… from USDA Launches GLOBAL Organic Integrity Database
USDA Increases Funding for Organic Cost Share Program The USDA has increased funding for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). This means that organic producers and handlers can now receive up to 75% of their certification costs reimbursed, up to $750 per scope of certification. This is a $250 increase from the previous two […]
Read More… from Organic Certification Just Got More Affordable!
Whether it is your first inspection or your tenth, onsite inspections can be a little intimidating and overwhelming. Read on to take out some of the guesswork. Discover what the regulations require during inspections, what a typical inspection may include, and how you can prepare. Regulatory Requirements for Inspection Inspections are primarily covered in the […]
The USDA announced earlier this week that the USDA organic seal has been trademarked with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Registration of the seal increases the USDA’s ability to take action when the image is misused. Although the seal was already protected by the Organic Foods Protection Act (OFPA), now that it is trademarked, […]
Read More… from USDA Organic Seal Trademarked, Increasing the Cost of Fraud
Types of Handlers: What needs to be certified?
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Read More… from Different Classes of Handling Operations & Their Certification Obligations