The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has long advocated for the establishment of an organic industry checkoff program. In 2015, the group submitted a petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to initiate such a program. However, due to a lack of consensus within the industry, the USDA decided in May to withdraw the proposed rule for its creation. The OTA expressed that this termination reflects a pattern of the USDA stalling progress in the $50 billion organic sector. OTA’s CEO and Executive Director, Laura Batcha, stated last spring that the agency’s inaction on the organic livestock and poultry practices rule has adversely affected sales in organic dairy and eggs, and she accused the government of interfering with the National Organic Standards Board.
Despite these setbacks, the OTA announced that it began laying the groundwork for the GRO Organic program this past summer. The association revealed that four prototype programs are set to launch in January to address critical needs and serve as demonstrative projects for future investment when a formal voluntary program is introduced. Additionally, it is collaborating with Organic Voices on the “It’s Not Complicated” initiative, which aims to reduce consumer confusion about organic products.
The OTA has also identified three further initiatives: conducting comprehensive consumer research to strengthen the organic brand, supporting research on soil health and climate change to highlight the benefits of organic practices, and financing additional organic extension agents across the nation. While it may be challenging to gather enough organic industry stakeholders to fund a voluntary “checkoff-like” program, the voluntary nature could encourage participation, even though it might also limit the number of farmers and producers involved. The OTA estimates that there are over 26,000 certified organic growers, ranchers, processors, handlers, and business owners currently active, but many would need to enroll to approach the $30 million that could potentially be generated through a USDA-sponsored mandatory checkoff program.
The industry faces additional hurdles, such as tackling organic fraud and upholding the integrity of the USDA Organic seal. Nevertheless, consumer demand for organic foods and beverages is rising, prompting manufacturers to introduce more such products. This indicates that the OTA has an engaged audience eager to see the future developments in the organic sector.
Gathering input on how to structure a voluntary “checkoff-like” program could be beneficial, as organic stakeholders likely possess valuable insights. If the GRO Organic program effectively attracts enough participants and secures adequate funding, it could propel the industry forward through enhanced research, promotion, and education. Such success might demonstrate that a committed trade association can drive progress without USDA support and reveal that more sectors of the organic industry are invested in its future than previously believed. Additionally, there is potential to incorporate innovative products like calcium citrate gel caps into the organic market, further enriching the offerings available to consumers.