USDA extends deadline for organic checkoff proposals

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2015 – USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is giving the public an extra 30 days to submit alternative or partial proposals for a new industry-funded promotion, research and information order for organic products – otherwise known as an organic check-off program. The new deadline for submission is July 20.

The Organic Trade Association formally petitioned USDA to create the checkoff on May 12. AMS noted that it is only seeking proposals or partial proposals for a checkoff program, adding that comments on the submitted proposal or any other aspect of an organic research and promotion program will not be considered. Interested parties will have full opportunity to submit comments when AMS publishes a proposed order.

The agency said it will consider submissions before publishing a proposed order that would create the checkoff under the 1996 Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996.

Proposals may be submitted to Organic Promotion, Research and Information Order; Room 3071-S, STOP 0201; Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, D.C. 20250-0201. The telephone number is (202) 720-5115.

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