Christopher Purdy began a one-year rotation as Deputy Administrator for the National Organic Program (NOP) on February 3. This rotation coincides with Dr. Jennifer Tucker, the current NOP Deputy Administrator, transitioning to the same role within the Specialty Crops Program. Purdy’s extensive public and private sector leadership experience includes his current position as Deputy Administrator […]
organic
Act Now: Plan for Cost Share Changes in 2025
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 […]
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USDA Warns of Phishing Scam Email
WARNING! On Thursday, February 6, 20205, OneCert received an email from the USDA warning that certified operations are receiving phishing emails from sources pretending to be the USDA. The USDA has also posted a warning banner on the Organic Integrity Database (OID) website. Per the NOP, these scam emails have been sent using the following: […]
USDA Publishes New Regulations for Organic Pet Food and Mushrooms
UPDATE February 6, 2025: Today the USDA issued a delay of effective date. The new rule effective date is delayed until March 21, 2025, and operations must comply by March 22, 2027. Read the update as published in the Federal Register here. On December 23, 2024, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) announced the publication […]
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Ready to Get Reimbursed? Tips for 2024 Cost Share Success!
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 2024, look no further! Read on to discover the information you need to complete a submission […]
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ARE YOU NEW TO ORGANIC FARMING OR THINKING ABOUT TRANSITIONING?
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 […]
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Navigating the New USDA Organic Import Rules: What You Need to Know
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 […]
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OneCert’s Public Contact Reporting to the OID
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, […]
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Dear OneCert: Demystifying the Mass Balance Audit
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 […]
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Understanding Nonretail Labeling Under SOE
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 […]