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 […]
Read More… from Ready to Get Reimbursed? Tips for 2024 Cost Share Success!
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 […]
Read More… from ARE YOU NEW TO ORGANIC FARMING OR THINKING ABOUT TRANSITIONING?
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 […]
According to the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) regulation update §205.201(a)(3), all organic operations are now required to establish monitoring practices and procedures to prevent fraud in the organic industry (these procedures are often referred to as Fraud Prevention Plans or “FPPs”). The NOP states Fraud Prevention Plans are required for every operation, and they must […]
Read More… from Organic Fraud Prevention Plan Guidance for Handlers and Processors
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule published by the USDA implementation period ends March 20, 2024. This means operations have until March 19, 2024, to become compliant with the rule. Handling operations, including brokers, traders, importers, distributors, and manufacturers, are among those who will be most affected by this new rule. In this post, we […]
Read More… from Handling SOE: 6 Priorities for Handling Operations Implementing the New Rule
The end of the implementation period for the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule is fast approaching! Are you a crops, livestock, or wild harvest operation wondering what you need to implement before March 19, 2024, to stay in compliance? Read on! Although much of the new rule is directed toward handling operations like brokers, traders, […]
Whether it is your first inspection or your tenth, onsite inspections can be a little intimidating and overwhelming. Read on to take out some of the guesswork. Discover what the regulations require during inspections, what a typical inspection may include, and how you can prepare. Regulatory Requirements for Inspection Inspections are primarily covered in the […]