USDA's SOE rule in March 2023 requires all organic product handlers, including wine importers, to be certified organic, causing challenges for unprepared businesses and criticisms on potential dilution of organic standards.

The USDA's "Strengthening Organic Enforcement" (SOE) rule, effective March 2023, mandates that all businesses handling organic products, including wine importers, must be certified organic. This has created challenges for many importers, who are unprepared for the new requirements, risking the removal of organic wines from shelves or loss of their organic labeling. Critics argue that the USDA's regulation may dilute organic standards and suggest returning certification authority to state or private entities.

October 05, 2024
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