1 Analyses of this federal-register by attorneys

  1. USDA issues final rule strengthening oversight and enforcement of its organic regulations

    Hogan LovellsBrian EyinkJanuary 24, 2023

    s for establishing, evaluating, and terminating equivalence determinations with foreign government organic programs, based on an evaluation of their organic foreign conformity systems.In the proposed rule,2 AMS asked for public comment on the topic of products produced under private label arrangements solely to elicit feedback for possible future consideration. Accordingly, the final rule summarizes the comments received, but does not include any changes to the provisions of the organic regulations relating to packaged product labeling. AMS does confirm in the final rule, however, that private labeling operations that “process” organic agricultural products must be certified.Next StepsAll entities affected by the rule must comply by March 19, 2024, including by obtaining organic certification if necessary. We will continue to monitor the implementation and enforcement of the updated organic regulations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us on this or any other matter.References18 Fed. Reg. 3548 (Jan. 19, 2023), available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/19/2023-00702/national-organic-program-nop-strengthening-organic-enforcement.285 Fed. Reg. 47536 (Aug. 5, 2020), available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/05/2020-14581/national-organic-program-strengthening-organic-enforcement.[View source.]