Resources for Organic Farmers to Prevent Fraud
OFA is working to find solutions to reduce organic import fraud and create a fair domestic marketplace.
Preventing organic fraud is consistently a top priority for organic farmers.
In the past ten years, the U.S. demand for organic products has consistently grown, and U.S. farmers have invested in organic transition to meet this demand with domestic production. Likewise, we have seen a large increase in imported organic products from importers eager to meet this growing premium market in the U.S. The higher organic price and consistent market demand growth have unfortunately lured fraudulent players into the marketplace. Fraud has caused significant price fluctuations in recent years, destabilized the organic grain market for U.S. producers and reduced consumers’ faith in the organic label. Preventing fraud is essential to a fair and trustworthy marketplace.
Organic standards rely on verification at every step of the on-farm production and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance. Recent increased enforcement measures implemented by the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule (SOE) have extended oversight to additional points of the supply chain such as exporters, importers, and brokers. While organic is a process-based standard, the standards also require certifiers to administer periodic residue testing as a secondary confirmation of organic integrity.
TAKE ACTION
Sign your support for legislation that will provide the NOP with more authority to require residue testing on high-risk imported grain feedstuffs to curb organic fraud and ensure organic integrity.
Report Fraud
If you suspect or have witnessed fraud in the organic marketplace, please report it to the National Organic Program. We must work together to preserve a strong organic integrity. The more evidence and data you can provide, the better. Read more here.
SEE WHO SIGNED ON
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association | Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) | Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association | Oregon Tilth | OCIA Intl. | Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH) | Northeast Organic Farming Association-Interstate Council | Carolina Farm Stewardship Association | Central Plains Organic Farmers Association | Organic Trade Association | Real Organic Project | NOFA/Mass | NOFA-NH | Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN) | Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance | Illinois Stewardship Alliance | NODPA | Organic Seed Alliance | National Co+Op Grocers | National Organic Coalition (NCO) | Organic Farmers Association
Coming Soon
Research and Resources from OFA
Resources to Dig Deeper
Preserving Organic Integrity: A Marker Bill for Organic Imports
Organic farmers work hard to ensure the integrity of the crops they produce. Unfortunately, challenges with imports have led us to question the organic integrity of much of the grain being imported. Efforts have been made to close loopholes, but more work is needed. Join Nebraska farmer and organic leader, Amy Bruch to hear about a marker bill that would work to ensure only truly organic grains enter U.S. ports. (Recorded February 2024)
Preventing Fraud in the Supply Chain
Presented in partnership with Acres U.S.A. and the Organic Farmer Association, this comprehensive webinar features a discussion between Paul Meyer, the editor of Acres U.S.A. magazine, and OFA’s Harriet Behar, an experienced organic educator and inspector, focusing on maintaining and strengthening the integrity of organic farming. The conversation starts with a casual discussion about farming and rapidly transitions into an in-depth webinar on preventing fraud in the organic supply chain and upcoming changes to the organic program.
Strengthening Organic Enforcement
Presented in partnership with Acres U.S.A. and the Organic Farmer Association, this webinar on Strengthening Organic Enforcement features Harriet Behar. Delve into the vital aspects of maintaining the integrity of organic standards, guided by Behar’s extensive expertise in organic farming. Whether you’re an experienced organic farmer or simply passionate about organic agriculture, this discussion offers invaluable insights into upholding organic practices.
Questions?
If you have questions about the proposed legislation or need for residue testing of high-risk imported grain, please contact OFA Policy Director Lily Hawkins or OFA farmer member & NOSB member Amy Bruch.