Earlier this year, the USDA rolled out the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) regulations, bringing a wave of significant changes to organic import requirements. Whether you’re an importer, exporter, or just curious about organic products, here’s a quick rundown of the key points you need to know. End of the Grace Period The unofficial USDA grace […]
Read More… from Navigating the New USDA Organic Import Rules: What You Need to Know
The new SOE regulations require certifiers to report contact information to the Organic Integrity Database (OID) for each operation that they certify. Historically, OneCert has reported the following information to the Organic Integrity Database (OID), per the completed Initial Application and/or Annual Update Form (AUF). With the implementation of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule, […]
Read More… from OneCert’s Public Contact Reporting to the OID
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 […]
As we transition into the fall season, the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) deadline is rapidly approaching. If your head is spinning trying to figure out what you need to do to receive Organic Cost Share funding for 2023, look no further! Read on to discover the information you need to complete a submission […]
Read More… from Cost Share Made Easy: Your Go-To Resource for a Smooth 2023 Application
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!
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 […]
Read More… from SOE, Are You Ready?! USDA Issues New Regulations
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
What’s the scoop on the newest funding announcement? $300 million for farmers making the transition to organic? That’s right! Last month, the USDA announced a new program and you (or someone you know) could benefit. This new funding will include direct farmer assistance through the NRCS, including an increase in organic expertise and financial […]
Read More… from Quick Q&A: Organic Funding News and Deadlines!