Certification of New Handlers/Processors Delayed
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CCOF is experiencing record numbers of new Ha
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New Course: Keep It Organic When Handling and Processing
Certified operations play a vital role at every step along the organic supply chain. The organic integrity of the products they produce, handle, or process depends on how they carry out their respective roles.
Certified Organic Handlers/Processors—Your Input Is Needed on Economic Issues
We are seeking certified organic handlers to take part in a national study by completing a survey by New York University (NYU) and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The survey has several intended benefits for the organic industry, including identification of
Look Out for a New Rule that will Significantly Change the National Organic Program
The Policy Team and Certification staff are gearing up for the release of proposed changes to the National Organic Program (NOP). While the official rule, called the Strengthening Organic Enforcement proposed rule, is not out yet, the NOP has released a pre-published draft and other resources on their website.
Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule Released
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) released an official proposed rule for Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). The proposed changes will constitute the most significant changes to organic regulations since the creation of the NOP.
Among other changes, the proposed rule will:
Be Prepared for Additional Review of Uncertified Handlers
Without the additional oversight provided by the certification process, uncertified handlers are a source of potential fraud in the organic supply chain. Beginning in late 2017, CCOF increased oversight of uncertified handlers by verifying additional audit trail records during inspections and with an Uncertified Handler Affidavit (UHA). The UHA helps us determine if an uncertified handler is legitimately excluded from certification. This change is in line with National Organic Program expectations and other certifiers’ reviews of supply chains.
Strengthening Oversight of Uncertified Handlers in the Supply Chain - Uncertified Handler Affidavit
This is advance notification of an update that will print in our next magazine. Additionally, an action item will appear for all potentially affected CCOF-certified operations. If you source from uncertified brokers, traders, wholesalers, or distributers, submit an Uncertified Handler Affdavit (UHA) for each uncertified supplier at or before your next inspection and be prepared for additional audit trail verification during inspection.
Postharvest Handling Draft Guidance is Open for Comment
On April 25, 2014 the National Organic Program released a proposed guidance document regarding Substances Used in Postharvest Handling of Organic Products. This guidance addresses the materials that may be used in on-farm or other immediate postharvest situations. This guidance clarifies some confusion between what materials, such as diatomaceous earth or carbon dioxide, could be used in what contexts in a postharvest setting. Comments are due by June 24.
Updates Made to NOP Standards Manual
The USDA has published Final Rules that, effective November 3, 2013, update the USDA organic regulations. These three changes are about materials allowed for use in organic handling and processing. We have updated our NOP Standards Manual to reflect these changes. Download our updated manual.
Updates to National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
Earlier this year, the National Organic Program published a final rule renewing over 200 listings on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances that were scheduled to expire this year. The rule also made changes to the substances listed below.