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AnnouncementFebruary 29, 2012
Greetings!

 

Please read on for the latest announcements from the National Organic Program and USDA. 

 

Calif. Fertilizer Manufacturer Pleads Guilty

 

Peter Townsley, former president of the fertilizer company California Liquid Fertilizer, pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with selling synthetic fertilizer for use on organic farms. The United States Attorney's Office of the Northern District of California announced yesterday that Mr. Townsley admitted to falsely representing his fertilizer as suitable for use on USDA organic operations when, in fact, it contained ammonium chloride, a prohibited substance identified on the National List.

 

The National Organic Program appreciates the efforts of the U.S. Attorney's Office, USDA's Office of Inspector General, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture for their investigative work to bring about the conviction of Mr. Townsley's fraudulent activities. As NOP's mission is to ensure the integrity of USDA organic products in the United States and throughout the world, it recognizes how vital a role the state organic program plays as well as the important responsibility that certifying agents have in working directly with certified operations.

 

"The outcome of the case validates the fact that USDA organic certification is backed by clear standards and protected by serious measures to enforce them," said Miles McEvoy, NOP director. "We're committed not only to our oversight role but also our responsibility to support those who help enforce the organic regulations."

 

The full press release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office is available in the Department of Justice newsroom

Know Your Food, Know Your Farmer Compass
 

The USDA launched its Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass, an online multi-media tool that allows users to easily navigate stories of USDA's work in local and regional food systems and spur ideas for how to build stronger local and regional food opportunities in other communities.

 

With the Compass, you can: 

  • LEARN about USDA resources to develop local and regional food enterprises - from seasonal high tunnels that extend the growing season, to technical assistance for beginning and experienced producers, to support for marketing, processing, distribution and retail infrastructure.
  • SEE case studies and photos of successful producers and projects from around the country.
  • NAVIGATE the interactive map, which shows the location and focus of many USDA-supported local and regional food projects.
  • WATCH videos documenting how others are building strong local and regional food businesses, expanding local food production on their farms and ranches, and making change in their communities.
  • JOIN the national conversation. If you're a customer, meet a farmer. If you're a farmer, talk to your customers.  Continue the conversation in your neighborhood, town and community about what local foods mean to you.
The Compass is part of USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative. 
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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