Organic Integrity from Farm to Table Consumers Trust the Organic Label
Announcement
June 30, 2016
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce that additional enforcement documents are now available to view online. We would also like to share an update on a fraud investigation.
NOP Publishes Enforcement Documents
Earlier this year, the AMS National Organic Program reinstituted its practice of publishing enforcement records regarding violations of the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and the USDA organic regulations to its website.
Today, the NOP posted three Administrator Decisions that are under appeal. In each of these cases, the operations have requested a hearing with a USDA Administrative Law Judge. Until their appeals have been concluded, each operation remains in good standing.
Going forward, the NOP will continue to post new and historical enforcement documents. Publishing these documents is part of an ongoing effort to publicize and increase transparency around NOP enforcement activities.
The owners of the Saul Farms, Bernard and Roza Saul, have pleaded guilty to criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, respectively, related to the sale of conventional alfalfa seed as organic. They also have agreed to pay restitution of $1.9 million.
Last year, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), an accredited organic certifier, alerted the National Organic Program (NOP) and the USDA's Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) about possible fraud involving the sale of conventional alfalfa seed as organic. Both ISDA and NOP assisted USDA-OIG with a subsequent investigation.
On June 7, Bernard Saul was sentenced to 36 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering in connection to the sale of conventional alfalfa seed as organic. Mr. Saul also must pay a fine of $7,500 and forfeit $1.9 million accrued from the sales. On June 20, Roza Saul was sentenced to three years supervised probation and a $500 fine for a related offense.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world.
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