New USDA Rule to Thwart Organic Fraud
2020-08-20 14:49:33
The Agricultural Marketing Service of the US Department of Agriculture on Aug. 5 published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to expand the National Organic Program’s oversight and enforcement of the production, handling and sale of organic food products.
“Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing sectors in the food market,” said Greg Ibach, USDA undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “As the organic market has grown, organic supply chains have become more complex. Stronger market oversight is needed to protect farmers and consumers who choose the organic option.”
“If implemented, this proposed rule will improve organic integrity across the organic supply chain and benefit stakeholders throughout the organic industry,” the AMS said in the Federal Register notice. “The proposed amendments will close gaps in the current regulations to build consistent certification practices to deter and detect organic fraud and improve transparency and product traceability. In addition, the proposed amendments will assure consumers that organic products meet a robust, consistent standard and reinforce the value of the organic label.”
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