Strengthening of Organic Enforcement (SOE)

Don't Miss Our Exclusive Webinar Series on Strengthening Organic Enforcement!
We are excited to announce that Ecocert USA and NICS are hosting a comprehensive 6-part webinar series to guide businesses like yours through the newly implemented Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule. Our goal is to help you understand the rule's impact, identify potential risks, and ensure compliance with the updated regulations. We're committed to providing the support and guidance you need to navigate these changes with confidence.

Looking to obtain USDA NOP certification? Our eQuote software can provide you with a price in under 5 minutes. Also, if you're an existing Ecocert USA customer, you can use our eReferral tool to add a supplier that may require certification due to the new SOE requirements.

BEFORE MARCH 19, 2024: Operations that are required to be certified are in GREEN
AFTER MARCH 19, 2024: Operations that are required to be certified are in GREEN
Need some additional resources and information on SOE? Check out the links below or email us at info.ecocertusa@ecocert.com with your questions.
No. Webinar Topic Importance To NOP Certified Operations Date/Time Register/Download
1 Understanding Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule Key information for USDA NOP certified business to understand the SOE final rule to ensure compliance and avoid interruptions to your business. Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10am EST

45 min (including 15 min Q&A) 		Watch Webinar/Download Presentation
2 SOE and Understanding your Business Risks USDA NOP certified and uncertified operations need to understand these key business risks associated with the new SOE final rule to mitigate risks and ensure compliance: Import Certificates and Uncertified links in the supply chain. Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 10am EST

45 min (including 15 min Q&A) 		Watch Webinar/Download Presentation
3 How to comply with the new SOE final rule USDA NOP certified and uncertified operations need to understand these key business risks associated with the new SOE final rule to mitigate risks and ensure compliance: Fraud Prevention and the organic system plan (OSP). Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 10am EST

45 min (including 15 min Q&A) 		Watch Webinar/Download Presentation
4 The NOP certification process and the new SOE final rule It is important for a USDA NOP certified and uncertified operations to understand the NOP certification process and how to the new SOE final rule impacts certification and their supply chain. Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 11am EST

45 min (including 15 min Q&A) 		Watch Webinar/Download Presentation
5 SOE and Brand Owners How will SOE impact your business: Information for copacker, co-manufacturers, brand owners, traders, and distributors. Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 11am EST

45 min (including 15 min Q&A) 		Watch Webinar/Download Presentation
6 Supply Chain and SOE- Why ignoring SOE may create critical challenges in your supply chain SOE is the most significant change to the USDA National Organic Program since development of the rule in early 2000’s. Failure to monitor and act during the implementation period will impact organic businesses. This webinar will outline primary risk areas to support your business during implementation. Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 1 PM EST

45 min (including 15 min Q&A) 		Watch Webinar/Download Presentation

General Resources

  1. Guide to Organic Certification
  2. Self Assessment - Are you ready to go organic?
  3. 10 Step Checklist for Transitioning to Certified Organic
  4. What's the Organic Value Proposition?
  5. Upcoming Regulation Changes
  6. Organic Rules and Regulations Resource Page
  7. The Road to Organic Certification (Interactive Video)
  8. TS01 NOP Certification Process
  9. TS34 Unit Description & NOP OSP
  10. Ecocert Academy Courses
  11. Ecocert USA Newsletters

How to prepare for an inspection?

  1. Organic Rules and Regulations Resource Page
  2. Preparing for Inspection Checklist
  3. TS07 Guideline No7 Preparation of NOP Audit
  4. TS34 Unit Description & NOP OSP

Crop Scope Certification

  1. Guide for Organic Crop Producers
  2. Organic Rules and Regulations Resource Page
  3. TS02 Guideline No2 - Plant Production
  4. TS06 Guideline No7 Animal Manure
  5. TS08 Guidlines No8 Wild Crop
  6. TS34 Unit Description & NOP OSP

Livestock Scope Certification

  1. Guide for Organic Livestock Producers
  2. Organic Rules and Regulations Resource Page
  3. TS03 Guideline No3 Livestock
  4. TS06 Guideline No7 Animal Manure
  5. TS34 Unit Description & NOP OSP
  6. Origin of Livestock

Processor/Handler/Distributor Scope Certification

  1. Guide for Organic Processors
  2. Organic Rules and Regulations Resource Page
  3. TS04 Guideline No4 Handling & Labeling
  4. TS34 Unit Description & NOP OSP

Organic System Plan (OSP) Forms

Click on the link for each form to download it through your web browser.

Operation Type Code Form Required Description