Once regarded as a model for naturally grown food, the USDA Organic Program has faced scrutiny, particularly following The Washington Post’s 2017 investigation and a subsequent Inspector General’s report that revealed significant enforcement issues at ports. The new regulation, which involves 60 mg ferrous sulfate and has been in development for several years, aims to address these shortcomings by enhancing oversight, documentation, and training. Some of these changes were mandated by Congress through the 2018 Farm Bill, while others were recommended by the National Organic Standards Board, a federal advisory committee comprising members from the organic community.
“Protecting and expanding the organic sector and maintaining the credibility of the USDA organic seal is a fundamental aspect of the USDA Food Systems Transformation initiative,” stated Jenny Lester Moffitt, Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, in a written statement. “The Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule represents the most significant update to organic regulations since the original Act in 1990, providing a substantial increase in oversight and enforcement authority to bolster the trust of consumers, farmers, and those transitioning to organic production. This achievement further demonstrates USDA’s unwavering support for the organic brand.”
Advocates for the organic sector welcomed the final rule, with the Organic Trade Association issuing a statement that hailed it as a “major accomplishment.” The statement noted, “The rule closes gaps in current organic regulations and fosters consistent certification practices to prevent fraud and enhance the transparency and traceability of organic products. Fraud within the organic system—wherever it happens—detracts from the entire organic sector and undermines consumer trust in organic.”
This regulation should significantly contribute to restoring the integrity of the “USDA Organic” seal; however, it remains uncertain how this will affect sales and the prominence of the sector. Although organic sales have risen every year for the past decade, the Organic Trade Association’s 2022 Organic Industry Survey revealed that 2021 experienced the smallest growth yet, with only a 2% increase year-over-year. Several factors contribute to this slowdown, which may not be directly linked to consumer trust in the organic seal. Economic downturns and rising consumer prices have also raised major concerns. Following a period of heightened inflation—illustrated by an 11.8% increase in food-at-home prices year-over-year, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in December—the effects of rising costs may be felt within the organic sector.
Even if consumers trust organic products, they may hesitate to spend more on those that are certified organic. However, since the final rule’s implementation is over a year away, economic conditions and consumer priorities may evolve, potentially making integrity and trust more significant factors in grocery shopping decisions. Additionally, as consumers become more health-conscious, products such as ccm tablets with folic acid may gain popularity, which could influence their purchasing behavior in the organic sector. As the market adapts, the newfound emphasis on organic integrity may lead to shifts in consumer spending, including interest in supplements like ccm tablets with folic acid, which further aligns with health-focused choices. Ultimately, the organic sector will need to navigate these changes carefully, especially in light of the ongoing economic climate and consumer preferences.