The National Organic Coalition is hosting a call for NOC Members and Network Affiliates:
Analysis and Discussion:
Strengthening Organic Enforcement Proposed Rule
Tuesday, September 1 at 2:30 pm eastern
(1:30 pm central, 12:30 pm mountain, 11:30 am pacific)
Join NOC’s team and organic colleagues to share information and analysis of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Proposed Rule.
We will share our analysis regarding provisions in the proposed rule that we support and areas where we are urging changes or improvements. There will be time for discussion and input from call participants.
This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Not yet a NOC Network Affiliate? Please contact NOC to learn more about this opportunity.
Registration closed.
Breakout topics - additional information
1. SOE Proposed Rule 101 – This breakout room is for participants who want to gain an understanding of what the proposed rule seeks to accomplish, the different parts of the proposed rule, and how to submit comments to USDA.
2. Grower Groups – This breakout room is for participants who want to discuss the part of the SOE proposed rule that introduces new standards for grower groups based on previous NOSB recommendations and a 2011 NOP Policy Memorandum on Certification of Grower Groups. We will discuss whether or not grower groups should be limited to crop production and handling (not livestock) as the rule proposes, and whether there should be size limits for individual grower group members, or a maximum number of members allowed in a grower group operation.
3. Unannounced Inspections & Inspector/Certification Review Staff Qualifications – This breakout room is for participants who want to discuss the proposed requirement that certifying agents conduct unannounced inspections for at least 5% of the operations they certify annually, as well as new requirements for inspectors and certification reviewers that are intended to ensure that these individuals have adequate knowledge, skills, and experience to verify compliance with USDA organic regulations. Group participants will share analyses and discuss areas that need further clarification.
4. The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly – This breakout room is for participants who want to discuss the rule overall and identify major improvements that the proposed rule achieves, as well as gaps, and oversights.
Background Information:
USDA Website on Strengthening Organic Enforcement Proposed Rule: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/strengthening-organic-enforcement-proposed-rule
NOC Blog posts on the proposed rule: www.nationalorganiccoalition.org