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 […]
USDA News
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 […]
An Uncertain Future for U.S. Hemp?
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 […]
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, […]
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: Because the proposed changes are likely to have significant impacts on your certified operation and […]
United States Streamlines Organic Trade with Taiwan
The American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States signed and exchanged letters on behalf of the U.S. and Taiwan to establish the new organic equivalence arrangement. The arrangement covers certified organic products grown, produced or with final processing in the U.S. or Taiwan and eliminates the […]
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 […]
COVID-19 Resources
As the organic community all across the country is faced with the ever-changing landscape caused by the pandemic, OneCert is collecting useful resources to help during this unique time. We are sharing resources gathered by our allies and are grateful for those who have put these resources together as well. This page will be updated […]
Monsanto petitions the USDA for deregulation of dicamba tolerant corn varieties
Organic stakeholders are encouraged to comment on the petition, which can be found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/biotechnology/brs-news-and-information/2020_brs_news/monstanto_corn_050820 In 2015, Monsanto sought deregulation of dicamba tolerant bean and cotton varieties marketed to farmers as the solution to the increasing glyphosate resistance of weeds like Palmer Amaranth. While the new dicamba tolerant crops were certainly a way for Monsanto […]
UPDATE: US-Canada Organic Equivalence (USCOEA) Requirements
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently revised their import policy for USDA certified organic products traded under the U.S.-Canada Organic Equivalence Arrangement (USCOEA). As of April 30, 2020, all certified USDA organic products imported to Canada must be accompanied by an organic certificate that includes the following attestation statement: “Certified in accordance with […]