The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Fall meeting is scheduled for November 4-6, 2025, in Omaha, NE. However, due to the USDA lapse in appropriations, the National Organic Program (NOP) staff are currently furloughed, impacting the meeting format. Here’s a quick overview of the plans: Additional details about the meeting can be found on the […]
Read More… from NOSB Fall Meeting Plans: What You Need to Know
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. […]
In a limited win for organic producers nationwide, the controversial budget reconciliation bill passed by Congress on July 4, 2025, includes long-awaited funding for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). The measure reverses earlier budget cuts and reinstates critical support for growers navigating the costs of USDA organic certification. Key Cost-Share Highlights: Other Organic […]
Read More… from Organic Cost Share Funding Restored Through Controversial 2025 Budget Deal
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 […]
Read More… from 22 Years Growing Organic: Celebrating Earth Day & OneCert’s Journey!
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 […]
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 […]
Read More… from Act Now: Plan for Cost Share Changes in 2025
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: […]
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. […]
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 […]
Read More… from USDA Publishes New Regulations for Organic Pet Food and Mushrooms
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!