Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking by the USDA National Organic Program requires that many uncertified operations achieve organic certification by March 19, 2024. In the coming weeks, CCOF will send a letter to every CCOF-certified operation asking about uncertified handlers you work with. This includes all operations currently covered by an Uncertified Handler Affidavit (UHA), storage facilities, private label brand owners, brokers, traders, wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters, transporters, transloaders, and more. The letter will include a self-assessment tool for uncertified handlers as well as an Exempt Handler Affidavit that uncertified handlers will need to complete. CCOF-certified operations should watch for this important request and review it carefully. There is a one-time fee of $50 for CCOF approval of the affidavit, as outlined in our Certification Services Manual.
Uncertified operations who need certification should contact us at getcertified@ccof.org to see if you qualify for our 2023 SOE discount. Getting certified early will ensure a seamless transition, and our offer is most advantageous to those submitting early in 2023. Don’t wait, apply today!