New NOP Import Requirements Are in Effect — Is Your Business Aligned? Click here.

No More Pet Food Standards? | Imports Up | Acres Down

The regulatory landscape is changing again—USDA proposes rescinding the long-sought for pet food and mushroom standards. Research results are rolling in—learn more about the organic market tin North America, why organic strawberries are so delicious, and how US organic acreage is changing. Meet this month’s featured Associate, Mark King. All this, and more news for the organic community.

Standards Delay | New NOP Leaders | Who Trusts Organic?

As California moves toward a definition of regenerative agriculture and private standards for “ultra-processed” firm up, organic mushroom and pet food standards implementation is delayed. We also take a look at risk-based residue testing options, and introduce our Associate Kelly Abbot. Plus, other key happenings in these fast-moving times.

New: Rules, Standards, Analysis, and NOSB Members

Welcoming 2025, and the many changes ahead, our President’s message offers perspective from recent work with clients in the organic sector. New rules for organic mushroom production and organic pet foods are now in place. Canada plans revisions to its standards, and the NOSB has new members. Read one for more about what’s coming this year.

Coffee and Carbon | New Year, New Job | More Organic Milk for Kids

Our December news looks at carbon emissions on coffee farms, how long it takes farm plant biodiversity to recover, and a new survey about familiarity with regenerative agriculture. If you’d like a new job in the new year, several excellent organizations are hiring. In addition, there’s good news about organic milk for school children.

Label Changes Coming? | Early Look at NOSB | GenZ Wants Good Food

Label Changes Coming? | Early Look at NOSB | GenZ Wants Good Food

Curious about key decisions at the National Organic Standards Board? We sum it up for you here (and in our wrap-up issue available exclusively to newsletter subscribers). Labels are getting some attention in Europe and California, and that may spell big changes for packaged goods makers. Plus, there’s some new research on: what GenZ shoppers look for when they are food shopping; what’s happening in the Ontario, Canada organic market; U.S. Organic cotton production, and more.

SOE Gets Real(er) | Organic Produce Packs a Punch | Tell USDA What to Do

SOE Gets Real(er) | Organic Produce Packs a Punch | Tell USDA What to Do

Find out more about a rancher who inspired Bill Wolf. September means school time, and the Organic Materials Review Institute and the International Organic Inspectors Association have teamed up to offer more training webinars on input materials. Plus, in this edition, there’s a link to a free webinar especially for the coffee sector on Strengthening Organic Enforcement, National Organic Program news, opportunities to serve USDA advisory committees, a new report about what a taste and nutrition powerhouse organic produce can be and more.

SOE Grace Period Ends | Canada Invests in Organic | Awareness of “USDA Organic”

Unofficial Grace Period To End September 19

An unofficial grace period for the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rules will end in September, so make sure you’re ready. Check out the international news, too, for a bit about the ways France protects its water resources. Researchers have been busy as well, with studies on the organic label, farmers thoughts on microbiomes, and regenerative agriculture.

NOP Import Certificate Requirements Under SOE

SOE is here!

Effective March 19, 2024, all organic imports to the United States must be accompanied by an NOP Import Certificate (NOPIC). This certificate, which is part of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule published by the USDA in January 2023, aims to enhance the oversight and traceability of organic products entering the U.S.

The grace period is coming to an end soon. Are you ready?