Here are some highlights: The sign-up for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will be reopened for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. The USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers press release details the 4 parts of the new initiative: (1). Expand Help & Assistance to More Producers, (2.) New Funding to Existing Programs, […]
USDA News
Opinion: Lithothamnion sp. Coralline Algae Is NOT “Ag,” Should NOT Be Allowed as “Organic” If We Care About The Planet.
March 12, 2021: The USDA released a memo to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to request that they make recommendations to the industry regarding whether or not Lithothamnion calcareus algae species may be certified organic. It’s unclear why the ruling is needed since the NOP informed at least one certifying agency prior to 2008 […]
Hemp Production Final Rule
The Hemp Final Rule–published on January 19, 2021–superseded the Interim Final Rule that established The Domestic Hemp Production Program that was mandated as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. The Final Rule covers the regulations the USDA will follow when it approves the hemp production plans submitted by States and Indian tribes and establishes a […]
US Importers: What you need to know about the changes in the US-India Organic Recognition
If you are a certified operation importing organic products or ingredients from India and you are wondering how the ending of the US-India Organic Recognition will affect your operation, start by asking “What type of NOP (National Organic Program) Certificate does my supplier have?” There are two options: 1: If your supplier has an NPOP-NOP […]
NOP Changing Approach to Organic Oversight in India
“The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is changing its approach to organic oversight in India. USDA is ending its recognition agreement that has allowed APEDA-accredited certifiers to provide USDA organic certification in India. This change adapts to the evolution of organic supply chains over time and allows USDA to protect farms […]
Tamarind Seed Gum added to the National List, Effective December 7th
On November 5, 2020 the NOP published a final rule amending the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) to add non-organic tamarind seed gum. Tamarind Seed Gum was added to § 205.606, which means it may be used in organic products when organic tamarind seed gum is not commercially available. This ingredient is […]
Importing Organic Ingredients: Resources & Regulations
The proposed rule requires that most importers & exporters, brokers & traders, and other parties that negotiate sales of organic goods acquire organic certification. […]
Labelling of Products Imported into the USA from India
India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) requires the manufacturer of an organic product to be identified on the product label. What does this mean for products destined for the United States? Products certified to the USDA organic standards must comply with USDA labeling requirements, which requires that the distributor be specified on the product […]
Funding available: Second round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP-2)
On September 17, the USDA announced a second round of funding available under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFPA 2). If you missed the application deadline or were ineligible for CFAP 1, the second round of CFAP includes expanding eligibility criteria and is open for applications until December 11, 2020. Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 […]
U.S. and Japan Expand Organic Trade Opportunities Livestock Added to Arrangement
Effective July 16, 2020, the U.S.-Japan organic trade arrangement adds livestock to the list of products that may be certified to either country’s organic standards for sale as organic in both markets. “Opening new markets for America’s organic farmers and ranchers continues to be a priority for USDA,” said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory […]