Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule still under review

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Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule still under review

The organization that develops rules and regulations for the production, handling, labeling, and enforcement of all USDA organic products continues to analyze the Strengthening Organic Enforcement proposed rule.

National Organic Program Deputy Administrator Jennifer Tucker says the comment period that ended last month provided thoughtful feedback.

“It’s a multi-part rule. We need to review and analyze those comments, make some policy decisions on what to do next.”

The proposed rule is intended to better protect the integrity of the organic supply chain to build consumer and industry trust in the USDA organic label.

Tucker was asked about when a final announcement might be made during an Organic and Non-GMO Forum webinar Monday.

“I can’t really commit to a timeline, but I can commit to a process. So the process is we need to do that internal comment review and analysis, and then we will draft a final rule. Then the first step of any clearance process is to go through our legal review team.”

From there, she says it would go through several USDA offices before ending up in the Office of Management and Budget.