USDA to Release New Rule to Increase Oversight in Organic Supply Chain

In the coming weeks, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) will be releasing a new rule called Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SEO), created to increase oversight of organic products throughout the supply chain after multiple cases of fraud.

There will be a one-year implementation period, but once full compliance is required, it will: ~ Strengthen organic control systems by requiring previously exempt organizations to be certified. The released initial draft of the rule explains that a key change will be that all operations that facilitate the sale or trade of organic products will need to be certified. This will likely include all brokers, traders, imports, and may include private label brands.

~ Improve oversight of organic imports. ~ Clarify organic certification standards.

~ Enhance traceability within the supply chain.

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