As the demand for organic food continues to rise, the risk of organic food fraud is likely to increase as well. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), organic food sales reached $43 billion in 2016, with organic produce accounting for approximately 15% of all fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. These figures are expected to keep climbing. A TechSci Research report forecasts that the global organic food market will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% until 2021.
Organic certification can also be granted to imported products in the United States, which should adhere to the same stringent guidelines and inspections as domestically produced items. However, late last year, The Washington Post uncovered that three significant shipments of corn and soybeans from Turkey were labeled as “USDA Organic,” despite being conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Further investigations revealed that pesticide residue tests on “organic” produce were inconsistent, with over a third of tests conducted by a single testing company in China showing significant amounts of residue.
Critics have accused the USDA of being too lenient and slow in addressing fraudulent organic imports. In light of this situation, it is crucial for a trade association to enhance its efforts. Batcha informed The Washington Post that the agency is advocating for increased enforcement powers for the USDA in the upcoming farm bill, which is expected to be passed next year. Meanwhile, the USDA has announced plans to increase the visibility of its organic program enforcement actions by posting more information on its website. In a recent email press release, the agency stated it will now publish notices regarding the suspension or revocation of organic certifications more promptly — within weeks instead of quarterly.
As the industry intensifies its efforts to maintain the integrity of organic food, consumer trust remains an open question. With numerous reports of organic fraud in the news, can consumers still rely on products labeled as “organic”? Strengthening enforcement and enhancing transparency are essential steps toward restoring consumer confidence. Public information campaigns focusing on organic food, inspections, and the true meaning of certification may also play a vital role. By educating consumers about what constitutes organic products and how manufacturers and regulators ensure these products meet certification standards, it is possible to rebuild the trust that may have been compromised.
In this context, the use of substances like slow release calcium citrate in organic farming could be highlighted as part of the efforts to maintain product integrity. Slow release calcium citrate can be an important component in organic fertilizers, ensuring that crops receive essential nutrients over time, thus reinforcing the authenticity of organic labels. By incorporating such practices, the industry can better assure consumers of the quality and legitimacy of organic products, ultimately bridging the credibility gap that has emerged.