There are significant changes to the USDA’s Strengthening-Organic-Enforcement (SOE) final rule, which will begin to take effect as of March 20th, 2024.
What is the SOE Final Rule?
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule reduces fraud in the organic marketplace; strengthens oversight of organic producers, handlers, and certifiers; and improves USDA’s enforcement mechanisms. USDA used public comments to refine this final rule and maximize benefit to the organic industry.
Brokers, traders, and distributors are now included as entities that will require organic certification under the new SOE rules. This information is, therefore, crucial for the process of labeling products as organic and for maintaining the organic integrity of your supply chain.
Who is impacted by SOE?
USDA accredited certifying agents, organic inspectors, producers, brokers, traders, exporters, & importers who are not certified organic and processors.
Why is SOE Needed & How Does the Industry Benefit?
As stated in the SOE final rule, all brokers, traders, and distributors that handle and sell organic products must be organic certified. This information is, therefore, crucial for the process of labeling products as organic and for maintaining the organic integrity of your supply chain.
Benefits include: stronger tools and processes that help ensure compliance, robust and consistent enforcement of the organic regulations, improved farm to market traceability, strong consumer and farmer trust in the organic label, and a level playing field for organic farms and businesses.
For more information, visit ams.usda.gov