USDA Publishes Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule

Last week, USDA’s National Organic Program published the Strengthening Organic Enforcement final rule.  The update to USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products.  The final rule implements 2018 Farm Bill mandates, responds to industry requests for updates to the USDA organic regulations, and addresses National Organic Standards Board recommendations.

"Protecting and growing the organic sector and the trusted USDA organic seal is a key part of the USDA Food Systems Transformation initiative," said USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt.

According to the USDA, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule is the biggest update to the organic regulations since the original Act in 1990, providing a significant increase in oversight and enforcement authority to reinforce the trust of consumers, farmers, and those transitioning to organic production.  Organic stakeholders affected by the rule will have one year from the effective date of the rule to comply with the changes.

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