WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick and Adam Schiff on Friday introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to adopt risk-based inspections for organic farms and businesses, a move supporters say could reduce regulatory burdens as the number of certified organic operations declines.
The Risk-Based Oversight for Integrity Act would direct USDA to focus inspections and enforcement efforts on higher-risk operations while permitting lower-risk domestic producers to undergo on-site inspections as infrequently as once every three years, supplemented by annual virtual reviews.
Under current federal rules, all certified organic operations are generally subject to the same annual inspection requirements regardless of their size, complexity, or compliance history.
The proposal comes as certified organic crop operations in the United States have fallen by more than 10% since 2020 and certified organic livestock operations have declined by more than 6%, according to the senators’ offices.
“Pennsylvania’s organic farmers work hard to meet rigorous standards and provide consumers with high-quality products they can trust,” McCormick said in a statement. “This bipartisan legislation takes a smarter approach to oversight by focusing resources where they are needed most, reducing unnecessary burdens on our farmers, and strengthening confidence in the organic label.”
Schiff said the measure is intended to ease pressures on smaller producers while maintaining consumer confidence in organic products.
The legislation would require USDA to conduct a 12-month study on risk-based oversight protocols and consult with farmers, businesses, certifying agents, consumers and the National Organic Standards Board before implementing any changes.
The bill defines “risk to organic integrity” based on the likelihood that products marketed as organic fail to comply with federal standards. Foreign organic operations would continue to face annual on-site inspections under the proposal.
The measure is backed by the Organic Trade Association, Organic Farmers Association, National Organic Coalition and Accredited Certifiers Association.
Tom Chapman, co-chief executive of the Organic Trade Association, said domestic organic producers have struggled to compete as the number of U.S. operations has declined and foreign producers have increased their market share.
Chris Solt, executive director of Pennsylvania Certified Organic, said the legislation would allow USDA to concentrate oversight resources on operations presenting the greatest risk while reducing compliance burdens on lower-risk producers.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Tony Wied, R-Wis.
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