standards

Update on Hydroponic/Container Production

In recent years we have seen an increase in the number and complexity of container-based agricultural production systems. These production systems were addressed by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) in 2010 in their recommendation regarding Terrestrial Plants in Containers and Enclosures. This recommendation advised a prohibition on hydroponic and aeroponic systems, but was never finalized into official standards. In the interim a wide spectrum of container production has continued to evolve ranging from transplants, to rooftop gardens, to commercial crop production.

CCOF Logra Aprobación Bajo Programa Orgánico Mexicano

El 21 de agosto de 2015, CCOF fue reconocido por el gobierno mexicano como un organismo de certificación aprobado bajo los recientemente implementados estándares orgánicos mexicanos .Este es un logro importante en el crecimiento del programa de CCOF México y asegura continuar con el acceso al mercado para las operaciones ubicadas en, y exportando a México.

CCOF Achieves Approval Under Mexican Organic Program

On August 21, 2015, CCOF was recognized by the Mexican government as an approved certification body under the recently implemented Mexican Organic Standards. This is a major milestone in the growth of CCOF’s Mexico program and ensures continuing market access for operations located in, and exporting to, Mexico. Read more in our press release about this announcement.

Intensive Grazing Prior to Harvest Intervals

Effective June 1, 2015, CCOF will require that orchards and other crops no longer utilize intensive grazing within 90 days of harvest of a crop where the edible portion does not touch soil or soil particles. This interpretation of existing raw manure restrictions is being phased in during 2015—with an expectation that growers update their practices and organic system plans by June 1, 2015—to ensure compliance during the 2015 production year and beyond.

Extension Underway for Mexico Organic Standards Implementation Date

The Mexican government recently published a notice of proposed extension for full implementation of the Mexican standards. The proposed extension would delay the standards implementation deadline for organic products imported to Mexico from countries engaged in equivalence discussions, such as the United States. Public comment on the draft notice may be submitted online.

Prórroga en Proceso de la Fecha de Implementación para las Normas Orgánicas Mexicanas

El gobierno de México recientemente publicó una noticia de propuesta prórroga para la implementación completa de los estándares orgánicos mexicanos. La prórroga propuesta extendería el plazo de implementación para productos orgánicos importados a México de países que se encuentran en discusiones sobre la equivalencia, como los Estados Unidos. El público puede emitir sus comentarios sobre la prórroga propuesta aquí.

CCOF Invierte en Empresas en México

CCOF continúa trabajando para obtener la aprobación como una organización de certificación orgánica bajo las nuevas regulaciones de Mexico con Luis López como representante local de CCOF, ubicado en Guadalajara, México. Además, la junta directiva de CCOF ha aprobado la formación de una sociedad, CCOF Servicios de Certificación S. de R.L. de C.V., para satisfacer las necesidades de las empresas de CCOF establecidas en México.

CCOF Invests in Mexico Operations

CCOF’s work to obtain approval as a certification body under the new Mexican organic standards continues with the selection of CCOF local representative, Luis Lopez in Guadalajara, Mexico. CCOF boards have also approved the formation of CCOF Servicios de Certificación S. de R.L. de C.V. to meet the needs of CCOF operations based in Mexico. CCOF’s Spanish language services and documents will also soon expand to include processor/handler operations and Organic System Plans.

NOP Strengthens Organic Standards

On August 14, 2014, the National Organic Program (NOP) published instruction 4012 “Use of Brand or Company Names Containing the Word ‘Organic’.” This instruction document is directed at certifiers and clarifies an area of potential confusion while indicating the NOP’s expectations and standards interpretations regarding product labeling.