National Organic Program
Organic Integrity Database expands with import functions
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has expanded the functionality of its Organic Integrity Database, adding an import certificate module. The new module augments the Trade Partner module, launched in May. Together, they make up... more »
Ed session at Organic Grower Summit to tackle new rule
A session at this year’s Organic Grower Summit (OGS) plans to tackle new challenges coming for growers, distributors and importers due to a rule that follows the March 19, 2024 full implementation of a National... more »
Texas organic farm highlights weeding
Shakera and Juan Raygoza went from a small vegetable consumer supported agriculture business model to running a wholesale radish farm in the suburbs of Edinburg, Texas — Terra Preta Farm. The use of a... more »
Resource on Strengthening Organic Enforcement available
Consumer confidence in the USDA organic seal has fueled industry growth and market expansion, according to the agency’s National Organic Program (NOP), which is tasked with ensuring rules protect the organic market as it grows.... more »
Organic standards experts fight fraud, advocate for industry
Respected organic industry advisors and specialists Gwendolyn Wyard and Kim Dietz have launched Strengthening Organic Systems LLC. The advisory firm is focused entirely on organic fraud prevention, supply chain investigations and compliance with the USDA’s... more »
USDA names OTA as national partner in organic initiative
The USDA has chosen the Organic Trade Association (OTA) as a national partner for the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, part of an initiative to provide direct support and technical assistance to producers. Rodale Institute,... more »
USDA sets NOSB fall meeting dates
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has scheduled its fall 2023 meeting, along with two virtual comment sessions for people unable to attend in person. The meeting is Oct. 24-26 in Providence, Rhode Island, with... more »
Rootella mycorrhizal inoculants listed for organic farming
Groundwork BioAg is pleased to announce that its Rootella series of mycorrhizal inoculants has been allowed for use as inputs in organic agriculture, by both OMRI and Ecocert certification agencies. Organics Material Review Institute (OMRI) reviewed... more »
National Organic Program alerts of fraudulent organic certificates
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service National Organic Program (NOP) is alerting the organic trade about the presence of fraudulent organic certificates. Fraudulent organic certificates listing the following businesses are in use and have been reported... more »
What to look for in the FSMA Produce Rule
On Nov. 2, 2015 FDA announced that the food safety rule governing the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce – as well as rules governing foreign suppliers and third party accreditation – was submitted to the... more »