To allow time for the organic industry to adjust to the changes in USDA National Organic Program regulations known as Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE), CCOF has allowed certified operations to continue working with approved uncertified, nonexempt operations who are applying for certification. This regulatory discretion will end on March 19, 2025, one year after the SOE implementation date.
What will happen on March 20, 2025, if I buy from or contract an uncertified operation that is no longer exempt?
- You will be required to stop working with that uncertified operation. If the operation has applied for certification but is not yet certified, you must stop working with them until they are certified.
- Remember that your organic certification status is not affected by the certification status of your buyers (operations you sell to). You are responsible for verifying the organic status of your suppliers (operations you buy from), if any, and operations you contract (e.g., coolers and storage facilities).
- If these operations are not certified by March 19, 2025, you will no longer be able to work with them. If the operation has applied for certification but is not yet certified, you must stop working with them until they are certified.
I have applied to be certified, but I’m not certified yet. What will happen on March 20, 2025, if I sell to or work with a CCOF-certified operation?
- That operation will be told that they cannot work with you until you are certified.