In response to stakeholder inquiries, USDA has issued the following statement:
USDA takes any complaints regarding our operations seriously, and that is why AMS looks into any formal complaints issued by outside groups. This was the case when the Cornucopia Institute filed a complaint earlier this year. AMS launched a thorough review and ultimately found and determined that the operations were in compliance and there was not sufficient evidence to conduct additional investigations. Furthermore, there is no investigation of the National Organic Program or its staff happening by USDA’s Inspector General—that is inaccurate. The focus on any one public servant in an attempt to damage his or her credibility is inappropriate and without merit. USDA values and has faith in Deputy Administrator Miles McEvoy’s leadership of the National Organic Program.
USDA’s National Organic Program is the bedrock regulatory program responsible for developing national standards for organically-produced agricultural products. These standards assure consumers that products with the USDA organic seal meet consistent, uniform standards. The USDA organic seal and the NOP program itself have helped organic producers and businesses achieve unprecedented levels of growth for organically produced goods. The retail market for organic products is now valued at more than $39 billion while USDA organic operations have grown more than 250% since 2002. USDA’s National Organic Program is a leading global standard and major factor in this success.