Organics Policy

With a growing organic sector in the fresh produce industry and increasing participation throughout the supply chain, IFPA aims to be at the forefront of organic policy issues that our members face. Recently, there have been policies and regulations that affect our industry, thus IFPA has created the Organics Committee as a resource for our industry.

With representation across the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, the Organics Committee brings a valuable perspective and level of expertise. The IFPA Government Relations team, with input from the Organics Committee, regularly meets and communicates with the Administration, Members of Congress and other stakeholders with regards to organic policy.

2022 Organics Year in Review

ORGANICS ADVOCACY

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Joined the fight to successfully protect the rights of hydroponic growers to
produce organically in a critical federal court case
Provided written comments to USDA on critical regulatory topics, as well
as accompanying oral comments from IFPA staff and volunteers, including:
- NOP Priorities Public Listening Session
- NOSB National List Sunset Review
- Organic Livestock Production Standards
- Organic Pinpointed Market Development Listening Session
- NOSB Recommendation on Liquid Ammonia and Highly Soluble Nitrogen Fertilizers
- Inert Ingredients in Organic Pesticides (pending)
Built a list of 400+ organic member stakeholders to communicate key
advocacy opportunities

ORGANICS LEADERSHIP

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Assembled a committee of 20 leaders from across the organic produce
supply chain to guide IFPA’s strategy on Organics
Represented IFPA organic fresh produce growers at all 2022 NOSB
meetings, Organic Produce Network Events, IFPA events, and beyond

ORGANICS SPOTLIGHT

Showcased organics to the IFPA membership in 3 VTH webinars and
3 in-person educational sessions
Hosted listening sessions to bring member feedback into our
perspective to the agency

2023 vs 2022 Action Plan

IFPA will work the Biden Administration and Congress to develop sensible polices within current and future organics regulation. This includes engagement with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) and all new regulatory requirements or policy decisions.

Some of the policies that the produce industry is most affected by include:

NOP Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Final Rule
NOP published the SOE final rule in January 2023 to strengthen the oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products and ultimately to reinforce the trust of consumers, farmers, producers, and all involved stakeholders in the integrity of the USDA Organic Seal. The new rule will impact many sectors of the organic fresh produce supply chain and has an enforcement date set for March 19, 2024.
9th Circuit Rules in Favor of USDA/Hydroponics in Lawsuit from Center for Food Safety
The Ninth Circuit has just AFFIRMED the decision of the lower court, finding no error in USDA’s denial of CFS’s petition asking USDA to revoke organic certification for hydroponic growers that otherwise qualify under the NOP, or otherwise find that the OFPA prevents hydroponic growers from qualifying for organic certification. IFPA is signed on as a friend of the court, defending the rights of hydroponic farmers to continue certifying their products as organic.
USDA Announces Details of $300 Million Organic Transition Initiative
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Aug. 22 announced details of the Organic Transition Initiative, a $300 million program with funds that come from the American Rescue Plan. The Organic Transition Initiative funds focus on three areas: 1) providing regionally based farmer training, education and mentorship through the Transition to Organic Production Program (TOPP), 2) providing financial assistance both to farmers choosing to implement a new Organic Management conservation practice standard administered by NRCS as well to transitioning farmers via RMA's Transitional Organic Grower Assistance Program (TOGA) and 3) working with partners to identify innovative ways to building organic supply chains in targeted markets via AMS.

Organic Policy Resources:

Important Upcoming Dates

September 12-14, 2023 | IFPA The Washington Conference | Washington, DC
October 19-21, 2023 | IFPA The Global Produce & Floral Show | Anaheim, CA
November 29-30, 2023 | OPN Organic Grower Summit | Monterey, CA

To learn more about Organic Policy, please contact:

Rebeckah Adcock, Vice President, Government Relations
Dr. Emily Griep, VP, Regulatory Compliance & Global Food Standards