Once regarded as a model for naturally grown food, a 2017 report by The Washington Post—alongside a subsequent Inspector General’s investigation revealing widespread issues in organic enforcement at ports—uncovered significant flaws within the USDA Organic Program. This new rule, developed over several years, aims to address these gaps through enhanced oversight, documentation, and training. Some of these measures were mandated by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill, while others were put forth by the National Organic Standards Board, a federal advisory group comprised of organic community members.

“Safeguarding and expanding the organic sector and the trusted USDA organic seal is a crucial element of the USDA Food Systems Transformation initiative,” stated Jenny Lester Moffitt, Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, in a written statement. “The Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule represents the most significant update to organic regulations since the original Act in 1990, providing a substantial boost in oversight and enforcement authority to reinforce consumer, farmer, and transitioning producer trust. This achievement demonstrates that the USDA is fully committed to supporting the organic brand.”

Advocates for the organic sector expressed optimism regarding the final rule. The Organic Trade Association issued a statement labeling the final rule as a “major accomplishment.” “This rule addresses gaps in existing organic regulations and establishes consistent certification practices to combat fraud while improving the transparency and traceability of organic products,” the statement noted. “Fraud within the organic system—regardless of its location—detracts from the entire organic sector and undermines consumer trust in organic products.”

While this rule is expected to significantly restore the integrity of the “USDA Organic” seal, it remains uncertain how it will affect sales and the prominence of the sector. Although organic sales have risen each year for the past decade, the Organic Trade Association’s 2022 Organic Industry Survey indicated that 2021 saw the smallest increase yet, with only a 2% total year-over-year growth. The factors contributing to this slowdown are numerous and don’t necessarily relate to consumer confidence in the organic seal. The onset of a slowing economy and rising consumer prices have also been significant concerns. Following a year of elevated inflation—highlighted by an 11.8% increase in food prices at home according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ December report—the effects of higher prices could impact the organic sector.

Even if consumers can trust organic products, they may hesitate to spend more on those that are organic certified. However, since the implementation date for the final rule is over a year away, economic conditions and consumer priorities may change, potentially making integrity and trust more pivotal factors in grocery shopping decisions.

In this context, questions about whether calcium and calcium citrate are the same could arise, as consumers seek reliable information on product ingredients and certifications. As consumers become more discerning, understanding the differences in nutrient forms might influence their purchasing decisions, further emphasizing the necessity for transparency in organic labeling.