Proposed rules aim to prevent organic fraud and strengthen regulations

Two decades ago, the organic industry was small. Consumers had to really look to find organic products, with many purchases in the segment happening at natural food stores and farmers markets.

Nowadays, organic is a huge business that is mainstream across the U.S. In 2019, organic food sales were worth $50.1 billion, posting 4.6% growth above the year before, according to the Organic Trade Association. As today's consumers are hoping to ward off coronavirus, many are looking for functional foods that will supercharge their immune systems. OTA Executive Director and President Lauren Batcha said in a release that means more are seeking organic food.

"The commitment to the Organic label has always resided at the intersection of health and safety, and we expect that commitment to strengthen as we all get through these unsettled times,” she said.

In order for that commitment to be strong, consumers need to be able to trust the organic seal. Media reports several years ago exposed flaws in the system, in which paperwork on conventional imported commodities was switched to improperly brand them as more lucrative organic ones. Last year, the Cornucopia Institute examined the process used by organic inspectors and said it "can be lackluster."

Soon after the media reports exposing the flaws in the system, the OTA launched its own task force to crack down on fraud. OTA's voluntary Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions program has several companies participating, including Ardent Mills, Clif Bar, Ingredion, Pilgrim's Pride and J.M. Smucker.