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Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule moves to final step

More than 1,500 comments will be considered on USDA’s proposed Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule before final regulations are published.

The proposed rule is the largest piece of organic regulation to be made since the National Organic Program was established almost 20 years ago.

Amendments are expected to close organic loopholes in certifications, reduce organic fraud, and improve transparency throughout the supply chain.

USDA was requesting comments on four main areas of the rule including imports, organic certificate exemptions, supply chain traceability, and labeling.

The proposed rule is supported by numerous ag groups including the National Organic Association, National Organic Coalition, and the National Farmers Union.

NFU President Rob Larew says inaccurate organic labeling misleads consumers and harms the reputation of the label, and we owe it to both food producers and purchasers to enforce organic standards, without exception.