News

Organic checkoff next steps

The Organic Trade Association has announced plans to move forward with a voluntary, industry-led checkoff after USDA terminated the process this spring.

CEO Laura Batcha says there is demand for coordinated organic research and promotion, and the organic sector is ready to work together.

A steering committee has been formed and will be opening a comment period in the fall to address key questions.

USDA said uncertain industry support and outstanding issues with the program led to terminating the rule making process.

The checkoff would have assessed organic entities with gross sales of more than $250,000 one-tenth of one percent of net organic sales to be used for research, promotion and education.