Organized by: 

CA Food Hub Network at University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UC SAREP)

Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)

Registration:

https://ucanr.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvc-utqDgqH9HUpqc1rrw2ZqZKWUJuBWwT#/registration 

Are you a food hub that handles certified-organic products? 

Join us for an informal webinar to learn more about the new organic rule, Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE), and how it may affect your food hub operation. We’ll be joined by representatives from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), who will share basic information about SOE and answer questions from attendees (food hub operators).

What is SOE?

SOE is a regulation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). SOE amends the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations by strengthening oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic agricultural products. SOE protects integrity in the organic supply chain and builds consumer and industry trust in the USDA organic label by strengthening organic control systems, improving farm to market traceability, and providing robust enforcement of the USDA organic regulations.

Why does SOE matter to my food hub?

SOE is the biggest change in organic rules since 2002. The National Organic Program (NOP) is narrowing the criteria for operations that are exempt from organic certification. If you are non-exempt, you will need to apply for an organic handling certificate, which can take at least 3 months. If you are exempt, you may need to take steps to properly handle certified organic products. The deadline for compliance with SOE is March 19, 2024. 

Why should I attend the webinar?

We’re offering a unique opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SOE to CCOF, an organic certifying agency, and learn from other food hubs in attendance. We’re expecting a small group of food hubs and plenty of time for Q&A.

What will I learn at the webinar?

• Basic information about the SOE rule
• Information that will help you determine whether your food hub is exempt or non-exempt (in other words, whether your food hub needs to get organic handling certification)
• How to apply for organic certification if you are non-exempt
• Actions you may need to take if you are handling certified organic products but are exempt
• Pricing for organic certification, including discounted options
• How to access resources about SOE and organic certification

Who should attend the webinar?

This webinar is intended for food hub managers and operators and will have information about organic handling regulations. The focus of this session is to offer food hub-specific information and give food hubs an opportunity to ask questions directly to an organic certifying agency.
 
Note: UC SAREP and CAFF are not organic regulators or certifiers, but rather provide educational information and resources on the topic of SOE.

Questions about the webinar? 

Contact Alicia Baddorf, CA Food Hub Network coordinator

akbaddorf@ucanr.edu | 530-786-0571