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AnnouncementDecember 7, 2011
Greetings!

Harold Chase, 54, of Springfield, Oregon, pleaded guilty yesterday to wire fraud for selling more than 4.2 million pounds of corn falsely labeled as organic. The falsely labeled corn was sold for more than $450,000, mainly as organic feed for livestock. Read more. 

NOP's enforcement efforts, including onsite investigations, constitute a critical part of its mission to ensure the integrity of USDA organic products. The incident, which was first brought to light last year when NOP conducted investigations at several locations in Oregon and Washington, reveals why recordkeeping and auditing are such integral components of the organic certification system. We urge certified operations to continue due diligence in reviewing suppliers' records and working with their certifiers closely. 
About Compliance and Enforcement

 

The Compliance & Enforcement Division of the National Organic Program ensures global compliance with the Organic Foods Production Act and the USDA organic regulations. The division processes and investigates complaints alleging violations and also conducts proactive compliance and outreach activities. Its overarching function is to enforce USDA organic standards for agricultural production, handling, and labeling. Learn more.

About the National Organic Program (NOP)
 

The NOP facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.
 

About the NOP Organic Insider
  

The NOP Organic Insider is intended to inform the organic community on a wide range of NOP functions, including organic standards, accreditation and international activities, compliance and enforcement, the National Organic Standards Board, training events, and the Cost Share program.

 

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