Effective October 1, 2025, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) is implementing a significant change that affects all certified organic shipments entering the United States. Organic importers should take note of the following update to ensure continued compliance. Reconditioning No Longer Permitted Without a Valid NOPIC Starting October 1, organic shipments arriving in the U.S. […]
Regulations
22 Years Growing Organic: Celebrating Earth Day & OneCert’s Journey!
This Earth Day, we’re honored to celebrate OneCert’s 22nd anniversary of USDA accreditation—a milestone rooted in passion, perseverance, and dedication to organic farming. On this auspicious day in 2003, our founder Sam Welsch guided OneCert through the new USDA-accreditation process. OneCert’s quality system was developed with the invaluable advice of Beth Hayden, who emphasized focusing […]
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National Organic Program Leadership Changes
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 […]
Big OMRI List Changes on The Horizon
The OMRI list (www.omri.org) is a useful tool for certified operations to determine the suitability of inputs for use in organic production and handling. It’s always reassuring to know that a product you’d like to use on your farm or in your processing operation is OMRI listed before you go to your certifier for approval. […]
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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