OCIA Decertified in China

WASHINGTON - Jun 15/10 - SNS -- The USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) reached a settlement agreement with the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) regarding its operation in China.

The NOP, which is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service, has struck a settlement agreement with OCIA that prohibits OCIA from operating in China. OCIA retains its accreditation for its certification activities in other countries including the US, Canada and Mexico.

"It is critical that we maintain the integrity of organic products for consumers," said Rayne Pegg, AMS administrator. "All certifiers and operations, domestic or foreign, must be held to the same standards. We will remain vigilant to make sure that products labeled as organic meet the standards prescribed by law."

In August 2007, the NOP conducted an onsite audit of OCIA and its certified operations in China as a part of the program’s organic accreditation renewal process. The audit found that OCIA used inspectors connected to the Chinese government, who had a conflict of interest with the certified organic operations. In July 2008, NOP proposed revocation of OCIA’s accreditation in China. OCIA appealed the proposed revocation.

As part of the settlement, OCIA would be able to apply for re-accreditation as a certifying agent in China after one year. In order for OCIA to be approved to start certifying organic operations in China, OCIA would have to hire inspectors who have no connection to any governmental or quasi-governmental Chinese entity to inspect OCIA certified operations in China. OCIA has agreed to increased NOP oversight and inspection of the company and its operations if the company is accredited to certify operations in China again.

The NOP is expanding its oversight of foreign certifying agents and organic operations. The NOP is conducting independent assessments of foreign organic operations. The number one priority of the NOP is to uphold and enforce organic standards. Imported agricultural products may be sold in the United States if they are certified by USDA-accredited certifying agents. All products must meet NOP standards.