The USDA announced that starting this October they will be mailing a survey to collect information about total planted and harvested hemp in the United States. The survey will ask for information on various forms of hemp, including hemp grown for flower, transplants, grain for human consumption, fiber, and seed. The survey is being conducted […]
Updates
National List Comment Period Open!
Today the USDA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the National List for crops, livestock and handling based on recommendations from the NOSB after completing the 2022 Sunset Review. The proposed changes address recommendations submitted to the Secretary after past public meetings. This proposed rule would remove: Two substances currently allowed […]
Apply Today! 2021 Organic Cost Share Program
As summer winds down and we start to look toward fall, there is one important deadline to remember: The application deadline for Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) is November 1, 2021! On August 17, 2021 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that organic producers and handlers can submit their applications for cost share […]
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 […]
United States Streamlines Organic Trade with Taiwan
The USDA has announced a new U.S.-Taiwan equivalence arrangement, effective May 30, 2020, that streamlines organic trade with Taiwan. The arrangement allows organic products certified in the United States or Taiwan to be sold as organic in either market. It also protects access for American organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses to this significant export market. Taiwan […]
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 […]
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 […]
Anticipated USDA Rule will Require More Operations to be Certified Organic
The USDA plans to publish a new proposed rule in 2020 which will tighten certification requirements. This “Strengthening Organic Enforcement” proposed rule will close gaps in the supply chain by requiring more operations to be certified. It will primarily affect currently excluded importers, exporters, traders, and brokers. Retailers, storage facilities, and transporters remain exempt in […]