Stronger tools for enforcing U.S. organic standards
The USDA gained “a significant increase” in its power to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of the National Organic Program with the publication of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule, said Agriculture Undersecretary Jenny Moffitt on Wednesday. The rule will take effect in 2024.
USDA to publish organic enforcement rule — report
The largest update to the National Organic Program since its creation, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule, will be published as early as Wednesday, said The Packer. It said USDA confirmed on Tuesday that publication was imminent of the rule that has been under consideration since summer 2020.
Bird flu found in flock in No. 1 turkey state
For the first time, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in Minnesota, the top turkey-producing state in the nation, said agricultural officials over the weekend. Some 14.6 million birds in domestic flocks have died of HPAI or in culling of infected herds to reduce the spread of the viral disease this year.
U.S. ends organic recognition agreement with India
Organic producers in India have six months to gain certification with a USDA-accredited certifying agent, said the USDA on Monday in announcing the termination of an organic recognition agreement dating from 2006. “We need a more active oversight presence in India to more directly protect …