The NOP noted the government’s compliance and enforcement functions,
which, much like the NOP’s system, include managing complaints and consumer
inquiries and conducting investigations of alleged violations. In a proactive monitoring initiative, the Japanese accreditation agency at one point had hired 1,500
consumers to check food labels in supermarkets. The Japanese government also
conducts inspections at various stages of the food chain, based on eight laws covering food quality, labeling, consumer safety and the safety of fertilizers, chemicals, animal feed and feed additives, and soil improvement materials. Certifiers
are also assessed annually, at which point the Japanese agency conducts an audit
of their office, witnesses an organic inspection and performs residue testing for
products destined for export.
Noting these systems, the NOP found that inspectors and certification personnel had substantial education, training and experience relevant to agriculture and
organic production. Certification bodies also had a detailed system to address all
NOP technical requirements within the framework of a documented quality management system. By the same token, the NOP observed the need for continued
technical discussions concerning interpretation of adverse-actions procedures to
ensure consistent application and enforcement of USDA Organic regulations.
Currently, under an economic harmony initiative with the government of
Japan, both governments are discussing potential for greater trade fluidity by
eliminating labeling conflicts that encumber export of organic products to Japan.
Both countries carry on regular, continued dialogue to increase understanding of
each other’s system.
Looking into the Future
The NOP continues to assess its systems all over the world in stride with the expanding activity and trade of U.S. organic products. Its multipronged oversight responsibilities run parallel to its continued drive to help expand market share of
U.S. organic products. Given the momentous objectives at hand and multiple international components involved in harmonizing organic certification and trade
systems, challenges are inevitable. While the NOP addresses them through persistent communications with foreign governments and enhanced oversight of certifiers, the USDA’s green and white organic seal continues to be recognized
throughout the world, highly respected for the integrity of the system and for the
standards and strength behind the NOP’s regulatory authority. o
Miles McEvoy is the deputy administrator of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).
Soo Kim is the public affairs manager for the NOP. You can reach her at Soo.Kim@ams.usda.gov.
Additional Resources:
• USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Trade System (GATS;
www.fas.usda.gov/gats/default.aspx), includes trade statistics for agricultural,
fish, forest and textile products dating from the inception of the harmonized
coding system in 1989 to the present.
• Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN; gain.fas.usda.gov/Pages/De-fault.aspx), provides timely information on the agricultural economy, products
and issues in foreign countries that are likely to have an impact on United States
agricultural production and trade (including organics). U.S. Foreign Service officers working at posts overseas collect and submit information on the agricultural
situation in more than 130 countries to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
• The NOP website ( www.ams.usda.gov/nop) features a more streamlined, user-friendly layout and provides information for international trade partners.
A. M. Todd ............................................................ 35
www.amtodd.com
Big Tree Organic Farms ..................................... 43
209.669.3678 • www.bigtreeorganic.com
Ciranda, Inc.......................................................... 17
715.386.1737 • www.ciranda.com
Florida Crystals/Domino Sugar...................... 44
800.446.9763
www.dominospecialtyingredients.com
Fruit d’Or ............................................................. 33
www.fruit-dor.ca
Global Organics, Ltd.......................................... 39
781.648.8844 • www.global-organics.com
GloryBee Foods Inc............................................ 43
888.240.4586 • www.glorybeefoods.com
Just Label It........................................................... 7
www.justlabelit.org
Marroquin Organic International ............. 21, 29
831.423.3442 • www.marroquin-organics.com
Motomco ............................................................. 10
800.237.6843 • www.motomco.com
Multiple Organics ................................................ 3
415.482.9800 • www.multipleorganics.com
Natural Flavors/Elan ......................................... 19
973.344.8014 • inquiry@flavor.com
Nexcel Natural Ingredients,
Div of Spectrum Foods............................... 43
217.391.0091 • www.nexcelfoods.com
Oregon Tilth........................................................ 41
503.378.0690 • www.tilth.org
Organic Partners International, LLC ................ 11
503.445.1065 • www.organic-partners.com
Organic Trade Association............................... 40
802.275.3800 • www.GlobalOrganic Trade.org
Organic Valley Family of Farms......................... 5
888.444.MILK • www.organicvalley.coop
San Francisco Herb &
Natural Food Company LLC.............................. 43
800.227.2830 • www.herbspicetea.com
SK Food International ....................................... 41
701.356.4106 • www.skfood.com
Suzanne’s Specialties, Inc.................................. 15
800.762.2135
www.suzannes-specialties.com
Van Drunen Farms.............................................. 43
815.472.3100 • www.vandrunenfarms.com
Wholesome Sweeteners ..................................... 9
800.680.1896 • www.organicsugars.biz
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