USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service announced May 11 the termination of a proposed rule to establish a national research and promotion program for certified organic products. The decision also terminates the proposed rule on referendum procedures. 

The Organic Trade Association said the decision reflects a pattern of holding back forward progress on organic by USDA.

“If there was ever a need for an organic check-off, it is now. We are seeing organic dairy and egg sales flattening because of USDA’s failure to move the animal welfare rule forward. Organic research funding is uncertain because it is tied to the unpredictable fate of the Farm Bill. The government also has interfered with the strong role of the National Organic Standards Board. These actions hurt U.S. organic farmers and businesses,” said Laura Batcha, CEO/Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association.

The termination is based on the lack of consensus within the industry in support for the proposed program and divergent views on how to resolve issues in implementing the proposed program.

Some of the concerns USDA took into consideration:

USDA’s assertion that there is “uncertain industry support for and outstanding substantive issues with the proposed program” is simply wrong,” Batcha said. “We submitted comments with 1,358 public endorsers named, including over 1,230 certified organic operators. These organic farmers, ranchers and business stakeholders were joined by over 11,000 supporters who commented directly on the proposal.”

“We expected to see the process progress with the publication of a final proposal from USDA, followed by a vote on the proposed program by the organic sector,” Batcha said. “It is unfathomable that organic stakeholders will not be given the chance to cast their vote, and to decide for themselves if they want to implement an organic check-off. USDA unilaterally making the decision on behalf of the 26,000+ certified organic growers, ranchers, processors, handlers, and business owners to not advance the process is stunning.”

A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 18, 2017, with a 60-day comment period that ended March 20, 2017. On Feb. 27, 2017, a notice was published in the Federal Register that extended the comment period until April 19, 2017. In response to the rule, USDA received and reviewed more than 14,700 comments filed by producers and other stakeholders. Notice of the termination appeared in the Federal Register May 11, 2018.

Source: USDA, OTA

What others are saying:

You won’t be soon hearing a slogan for organic food. – The County Press

Has the agency slowed the momentum of the organic movement by pulling the plug on the checkoff? – The Packer

A group of 6,000 farmers known as the No Organic Checkoff Coalition opposed the checkoff proposal. – Organic Authority

The checkoff proposal would have been a way to fund organic sector research. – Feed Navigator

The proposal was controversial from the start. – Beyond Pesticides

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service did not come right out and say it, but factious groups don’t go very well anymore with the check-off programs. – Food Safety News

The organic industry’s rapid growth may turn out to be its downfall. – Civil Eats

Opponents were concerned a majority of organic growers would have been shut out of the program. – Food Dive