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Organic Trade Association Water Cooler Series: Strengthening Organic Enforcement Implementation Preparation and Resources

by Kim Hatfield |

Attention OTA Members! 

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has announced additional resources to support the organic community as we prepare to meet the new Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule. You can read more about these resources in the re-post below. 

Not an OTA member? 

Don’t worry! CCOF has free resources to support you through this process, and more are on the way! You can use CCOF’s Organic Certification Self-Assessment to better understand how the rule applies to uncertified operations. CCOF-certified clients may also use the Exempt Handler Affidavit to request a review of potentially exempt handlers in their networks. 

Keep in mind, the deadline to meet the new SOE regulations is March 19, 2024, and many sections of the organic regulations are changing. Visit our SOE resource page to learn more, and keep a close eye on our newsletter to learn about more new resources as they are released.

 


USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule introduces significant updates to the federal organic regulations aimed at protecting organic integrity and building consumer trust. Notable changes include a requirement for import certificates on all organic products coming into the country, a narrowing of certification exemptions, and greater scrutiny on recordkeeping and product traceability. 

How is your organic business adjusting to these updates and what are your challenges to date? How are accredited certifiers preparing for and interpreting these changes ahead of implementation? 

Join OTA and guest speakers from the organic trade and accredited certifiers for an engaging discussion on SOE preparation.

 

  

Not sure whether your business needs to be certified as of March 19, 2024, under the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule? Take this quiz and find out from our regulatory experts today! Some businesses have multiple activities. You may find some activities require certification while others may be exempt.