USDA Seeking Comments on Organic Checkoff Proposal

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced it is seeking public comments to a proposal for a nationwide research and promotion checkoff program for the organic industry. The organic industry proposal estimates the organic checkoff could raise more than $30 million a year to spend on organic research, according to the Organic Trade Association. The association called the action a significant step that will help advance the organic sector. OTA officially submitted an application to USDA in May of 2015 on behalf of the organic industry to consider implementing the program. The association submitted a revised application a year later to reflect alternatives presented to USDA from organic certificate holders. USDA established a 60-day public comment period for interested parties to now weigh in on the proposal. Comments on the proposal are due March 20th