News

USDA extends deadline for organic checkoff proposals

USDA’s Ag Marketing Service is extending the deadline to submit proposals for a national organic checkoff. The Organic Trade Association petitioned USDA to create a national checkoff in May. AMS called for alternative proposals to be submitted until June 19, 2015. Due to the number of requests from organic stakeholders, proposals will now be accepted until July 20, 2015. This is for submission of alternative proposals only; comments on proposals will not be accepted at this time.

The agency will consider submissions before publishing a proposed Organic Promotion, Research and Information Order that would create an industry-funded research and promotion program for organic products. A comment period would be held at that time.

Proposals may be submitted to Organic Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Room 3071-S, STOP 0201; Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, D.C. 20250-0201;

We have more on the call for an organic checkoff here: