AMS Bans Organic Program Certifier from Operating in China for at Least One Year
The Agricultural Marketing Service's National Organic Program announced on June 14, 2010, that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) that prohibits it from operating in China. OCIA retains its accreditation for its certification activities in other countries including the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
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“It is critical that we maintain the integrity of organic products for consumers,” said Rayne Pegg, AMS administrator. “All certifiers and operations, domestic or foreign, must be held to the same standards. We will remain vigilant to make sure that products labeled as organic meet the standards prescribed by law.”
OCIA Banned for One Year, Then May Apply for Re-Accreditation
In August 2007, the NOP conducted an onsite audit of OCIA and its certified operations in China as a part of the program’s organic accreditation renewal process. The audit found that OCIA used inspectors connected to the Chinese government, who had a conflict of interest with the certified organic operations. In July 2008, NOP proposed revocation of OCIA’s accreditation in China. OCIA appealed the proposed revocation.
As part of the settlement, OCIA would be able to apply for re-accreditation as a certifying agent in China after one year. In order for OCIA to be approved to start certifying organic operations in China, OCIA would have to hire inspectors who have no connection to any governmental or quasi-governmental Chinese entity to inspect OCIA certified operations in China. OCIA has agreed to increased NOP oversight and inspection of the company and its operations if the company is accredited to certify operations in China again.
NOP Expanding its Oversight of Foreign Agents and Operations
The NOP is expanding its oversight of foreign certifying agents and organic operations. The NOP is conducting independent assessments of foreign organic operations. The number one priority of the NOP is to uphold and enforce organic standards. Imported agricultural products may be sold in the United States if they are certified by USDA-accredited certifying agents. All products must meet NOP standards.