SOE-FR-Fact-Sheet

        

Organic supply chains have become increasingly complex, reducing transparency in the market and leading to documented cases of organic fraud.

Proposed Rule

SOE implements three provisions from the 2018 Farm Bill.

SOE implements many National Organic Standards Board recommendations.

Published as proposed rule in October 2020.

§       USDA accredited certifying agents

§       Organic inspectors

§       Producers

§       Processors

§       Brokers, traders, exporters, and importers who are not certified organic

Public Comment

60-day public comment period.

1,525 comments received.

Final Rule

Policy updated based on public comment.

Final rule published in January 2023.

Enforcement

14-month implementation period.

The SOE rule protects organic

integrity and bolsters consumer confidence in the USDA organic seal.

The final SOE rule:

Reduces the number of uncertified entities in the organic supply chain.

Requires use of electronic import certificates.

Strengthens recordkeeping and supply chain traceability.

Clarifies AMS’s authority to oversee and enforce organic trade.

Strengthens oversight of accredited certifying agents.

ü                      Stronger tools and processes that help ensure compliance.

ü                      Robust and consistent enforcement of the organic regulations.

ü                      Improved farm to market