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 […]
USDA
Organic Fraud Prevention Plan Guidance for Handlers and Processors
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 […]
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Handling SOE: 6 Priorities for Handling Operations Implementing the New Rule
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 […]
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What You Need to Know About USDA’s SOE Organic Rule: 2 Key Impacts for Certified Producers
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, […]
Cost Share Made Easy: Your Go-To Resource for a Smooth 2023 Application
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 2023, look no further! Read on to discover the information you need to complete a submission […]
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USDA Launches GLOBAL Organic Integrity Database
On May 17, the USDA launched its new GLOBAL Organic Integrity Database or ‘GLOBAL OID.’ The new GLOBAL OID is a clone of the current Organic Integrity Database, but includes operations certified to both the Canadian Organic Regime (COR) standards and USDA standards by accredited certifying agents. GLOBAL OID is part of the Trade Partners […]
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Organic Certification Just Got More Affordable!
USDA Increases Funding for Organic Cost Share Program The USDA has increased funding for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). This means that organic producers and handlers can now receive up to 75% of their certification costs reimbursed, up to $750 per scope of certification. This is a $250 increase from the previous two […]
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The New SOE Rules: Is my business required to get certified?
The National Organic Program (NOP) introduced new regulations that will be implemented on March 19, 2024. Operations that will require certification under this rule must be certified by this date. The new regulations, known collectively as the “Strengthening Organic Enforcement” rules, or “SOE,” limit the number of operations that can continue to go uncertified by […]
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SOE, Are You Ready?! USDA Issues New Regulations
Today the USDA published the final Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule in the Federal Register. This long-awaited regulatory update is intended to reduce fraud, strengthen oversight of both organic operations and certifiers, and improve the USDA’s enforcement tools. OneCert started gearing up two years ago by making sure we have enough experienced staff ready to […]
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USDA Organic Seal Trademarked, Increasing the Cost of Fraud
The USDA announced earlier this week that the USDA organic seal has been trademarked with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Registration of the seal increases the USDA’s ability to take action when the image is misused. Although the seal was already protected by the Organic Foods Protection Act (OFPA), now that it is trademarked, […]
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