Press Releases

Following recent allegations that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows imports of fraudulent organic products, Maine First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is calling on USDA to investigate alleged organic fraud and protect the integrity of the organic label by swiftly implementing the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule. 

“There is a significant amount of time and resources required to adhere to the required standards to earn a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic label,” Pingree wrote to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “When rule-breakers cheat the system, it sows seeds of doubt about the organic label’s integrity and jeopardizes the future of the industry as a whole.”

A lawsuit filed this week by an organic hazelnut farm in Oregon alleges fraudulent organic imports, Politico reports.

In January, USDA announced the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule, which protects integrity in the organic supply chain and builds consumer and industry trust in the USDA organic label by strengthening organic control systems, improving farm to market traceability, and providing stronger enforcement of the USDA organic regulations.

The SOE rule follows concerns about fraudulent organic claims, including those reported in a 2017 Washington Post article that highlighted the challenges of ensuring organic integrity throughout the import process. 

The SOE final rule implements 2018 Farm Bill mandates, responds to industry requests for updates to the USDA organic regulations, and addresses National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) recommendations.

“I appreciate the USDA finalizing the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule, which will go into effect March of 2024, to help address organic fraud, encourage swift implementation and request an update on implementation once the rule goes into effect. I also urge the USDA to investigate allegations of organic fraud,” Pingree concluded.

The full letter is available here and copied below.

Pingree, a long-time organic farmer, serves on the House Agriculture Committee and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.

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Dear Secretary Vilsack: 

Thank you for your ongoing efforts to strengthen the integrity of the organic label and provide market opportunities for organic producers. I write to raise my concerns around recent reports of fraudulent organic imports. 

There are existing allegations regarding fraudulent organic imports impacting hazelnut crops. As you know, organic integrity is of critical significance to the organic sector and ensuring consumers are confident in the organic label. Organic agriculture sales reached over $60 billion in 2022 and continues to grow, building a more resilient and sustainable food system. 

There is a significant amount of time and resources required to adhere to the required standards to earn a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic label. When rule-breakers cheat the system, it sows seeds of doubt about the organic label’s integrity and jeopardizes the future of the industry as a whole. According to the U.S. Census Trade Bureau, over $3 billion worth of organic commodities were imported in 2022. 

I appreciate the USDA finalizing the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule, which will go into effect March of 2024, to help address organic fraud, encourage swift implementation and request an update on implementation once the rule goes into effect. I also urge the USDA to investigate allegations of organic fraud.

Sincerely,

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