A second training session, “Change is Coming: Preparing Fresh Produce for the New Organic Enforcement Rules,” announced at the Organic Produce Summit 2023, will examine what the updated rules mean for companies involved in organic fresh produce. The session will include the leadership of a major international producer/mailer, a well-known wholesaler/distributor and an enterprising retailer who will discuss what these changes mean for their business. It is chaired by one of the leading authorities on environmental regulation.
“Fresh produce accounts for more than one-third of all organic sales. Organic produce is often the entry point for consumers new to organic food and where consumers build confidence in organic labels,” said Tom Cha, CEO of the Organic Trade Association. Pullman said. “These sweeping new rules will strengthen the integrity of the entire supply chain and will require some work and adjustments from all of us. OPS attendees will hear from leaders across the organic supply chain how their operations are preparing and how they can thrive in 2024.” Address the most impactful changes before implementation in 2020.”
Panelists at the meeting included William (Bill) Brodegard, Vice President of Food Safety and Compliance, Driscoll’s; Brenna Davis, CEO, Organically Grown Company; and Chris Miller, Director of Organic Market Products, MOM. The session will be moderated by Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Organic Trade Association.
Key requirements of the rule include new organic import certification documentation and certification of brokers, traders and storage facilities handling unsealed produce. The rule also changes labeling requirements for non-retail packaging to make on-site inspections more robust and consistent.
The SOE rule is the largest update to USDA organic regulations since it was first published in 2000, and its goal is to improve organic integrity and consumer compliance by providing a strong control system for supporting organic products and improving traceability from farm to farm. The market for confidence in the USDA Organic seal. Strengthen import supervision to ensure strong enforcement of organic regulations.
Organic Produce Summit 2023 is a two-day event designed specifically to connect organic fresh produce growers, transporters and processors with retailers and buying organizations from across North America. The seventh annual event will be held July 12-13 in Monterey, CA.
Focusing on the new SOE regulations, the conference is the second of five training sessions and two keynote presentations available to attendees. OPS 2023 will also feature select site visits, a grand opening reception and sold-out exhibit space for retailers and buyers featuring more than 170 organic fresh produce producers and processors from North America and around the world. Additionally, several new events are planned for OPS attendees, including a special pre-opening reception – for those new to the industry or first-time OPS attendees.
