From @OrganicTradeAssociation via Linkedin

"My district is home to a significant number of organic growers, and I'm concerned by the lack of urgency in collaborations from USDA in updating organic standards. Consumer trust in organics relies on strong and consistently updated voluntary standards that reflect the latest facts on environmental and ecological data, consumer demands and innovative best practices."

—Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA)

In case you missed it: In early December, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), testified before the House Ag Committee, highlighting the Farm Bill. In addressing the challenges organic growers face, Newhouse, alongside his fellow committee members and with overwhelming support from growers nationwide, introduced the Continuous Improvement and Accountability Act in Organic Standards (CIAO), to ensure that organic standards evolve in sync with the dynamic landscape of agriculture. Watch his speech here.

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has expanded the functionality of its Organic INTEGRITY Database (INTEGRITY) by launching a new Import Certificate Module, providing certifiers—both USDA and those certified to NOP under a trade arrangement—with the ability to generate electronic import certificates in GLOBAL INTEGRITY for organic agricultural products being exported to the United States. 

This is another important step in implementing the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule, which requires the use of electronic import certificates to fortify supply chain traceability and organic integrity. Along with the new Import Certificate Module, two new Microlearnings are available in the Organic Integrity Learning Center to train certifiers and handlers on using the module and data flow process.

You can avoid several violations of the organic standards by making sure your supply chain partners are certified and ready to comply under the SOE final rule by March 19, 2024.

"It's a wide-open space for education and sharing information with consumers around the supply chain. There is so much that goes into making our food that no one sees, and the work that inside organic and everyone on this call is doing, is really impactful."

“How do we connect the personal benefit that organic uniquely brings with all the other enviro benefits organic and other labels bring?”

Now entering its third year, in 2024, Inside Organic continues to use a range of content platforms to proactively help identify and address the messaging challenges that inhibit growth and consumer awareness of the $67.6 billion organic marketplace. Highlights from the year include the Inside Organic Summit, consumer trends presentations with NIQ and panels with industry leaders at Expo East and SupplySide West, and the launch of the Inside Organic Toolkit.

Inside Organic is produced in collaboration between New Hope Network, Food & Beverage Insider and Natural Products Insider. Interested in being a sponsor? Contact your Informa representative to learn more.

For An Organic Night Out: Honoring the Year’s Best in Organic, Wednesday, March 13, 6–10pm. Co-hosts Organic Voices and The Organic Center invite you to a remarkable ticketed event that aims to support and advance the organic movement. This event promises an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, knowledge sharing and networking opportunities, all while supporting a greener and healthier future for our planet. Think of this as the first-ever “Organic Oscars.” Learn more here.