USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) "issued new procedures that will increase the effectiveness of enforcing national organic standards" according to Growing Produce. The new procedures will "ensure that all complaints of alleged violations and civil penalties are consistently handled."
"In the past, complaints of alleged standards violations were referred to accredited certifying agents for investigation and enforcement. With the implementation of new procedures, the NOP will collaborate with accredited and certifying agents in investigating cases while handling all enforcement actions."
"Since Jan. 2010, the NOP has closed 87 complaints and issued three civil penalties. The NOP accredits about 100 certifying agents around the world to evaluate agricultural production and handling operations and determine their compliance with the national organic standards."
Posted: 09/14/2010
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