The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has terminated the process to create an organic checkoff.
The agency says uncertain industry support and outstanding issues with the program led to terminating the rule making process.
Organic Trade Association executive director Laura Batcha tells Brownfield USDA’s decision is perplexing. “The things that they site in the Federal Register just don’t hold up to the facts. We did an extensive analysis of the proposed rule and for certified operators, businesses in the organic sector, the level of support was twice that of opposition.”
Organic Farmers Association director Kate Mendenhall tells Brownfield while their members believe there is a need for more organic research and other resources, they want a more creative approach than a traditional checkoff.
Continue reading USDA stops organic checkoff process at Brownfield Ag News.
