USDA National Organic Program final rule gets spotlight at OGS 2023

With the National Organic Program’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule going into full effect March 19, 2024, new challenges are coming into view for producers, distributors and importers.

Navigating and adhering to the new requirements for organic producers and handlers will be the subject of the first announced educational session at the Organic Grower Summit 2023, presented by Western Growers and Organic Produce Network, according to a news release.

“The SOE Deadline Looms — Are You Ready?" session is designed to help growers better understand the changes and will feature organic industry leaders providing operational and administrative details of the SOE rule, the release said.

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Moderated by John Foster, chief operating officer at Wolf & Associates and a former member of the National Organic Standards Board, the session's panelists will include:

• Jennifer Tucker, deputy administrator at National Organic Program.

• April Vasquez, chief certification officer for CCOF.

• Meredith Kiser, compliance director at Heath & Lejeune.

• Theojary Crisantes, chief operating officer at Wholesum Family Farms.

• Bianca Kaprielian, CEO and co-owner of Fruit World.

“When OGS 2023 commences, there will be just 111 days left for the NOP’s deadline for its full steam-ahead Strengthening Organic Enforcement compliances. As the clock ticks, growers, distributors, importers, and handlers on the organic produce supply chain are challenged by this most rigorous change to USDA’s organic standards in 20 years," Foster said in the release.

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“This panel goes straight to the top for answers with the USDA’s NOP Deputy Administrator Dr. Jenny Tucker reporting key updates imperative to the organic produce industry,” he said. “If you are feeling a sense of urgency regarding SOE mandates, this panel is a priceless resource of currency and expertise on these new regulations.

“Mandatory changes are coming for the certification of brokers and traders for every imported organic product and for qualifications of inspectors and certification staff,” Foster continued. “This panel of industry leaders will provide operational and administrative details, showing attendees how to steer clear of bureaucratic potholes and ensure there are no disruptions to the supply chain.”

The sixth annual Organic Grower Summit, planned for Nov. 29-30 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa in Monterey, Calif., is intended to provide information vital to organic growers and producers as well as an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the production of organic fresh food. OGS exhibition and general registrations are currently open, the release said. 

“In partnership with Western Growers, this year’s OGS will provide up-to-date resources and information to support the continued success of organic producers, with an emphasis on the changing organic production landscape, as well as the role of ag technology," Matt Seeley, CEO of Organic Produce Network, said in the release. “From seed to soil to harvest, our goal is to present the most relevant and timely information on the most important subjects and issues facing organic production."