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 […]

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Global Textile Certification by OneCert

Did you know that OneCert also certifies textile products? OneCert has been certifying to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) since 2008 and has since added certification to a group of other textile standards owned by Textile Exchange. Although we still certify textile operations in the US, the accreditation for these programs is now maintained […]

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Reduced Cost Share Reimbursement & How to Apply

On August 10, 2020, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency announced a change in reimbursement for those participating in the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Per the announcement, certified producers and handlers are now eligible to receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the certification expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per scope. Previously, […]

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The USDA’s Game-Changing Proposed Rule: Open for Comments

On August 5, 2020 the USDA released their “Strengthening Organic Enforcement” proposed rule, opening a 60 day public comment period. The changes are meant to improve organic oversight and to protect integrity in the organic supply chain. The proposal includes: Reduced exemptions from certification requiring more operations to be certified Requirements for import certificates for […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Monsanto petitions the USDA for deregulation of dicamba tolerant corn varieties

Organic stakeholders are encouraged to comment on the petition, which can be found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/biotechnology/brs-news-and-information/2020_brs_news/monstanto_corn_050820 In 2015, Monsanto sought deregulation of dicamba tolerant bean and cotton varieties marketed to farmers as the solution to the increasing glyphosate resistance of weeds like Palmer Amaranth. While the new dicamba tolerant crops were certainly a way for Monsanto […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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