Risk-based Oversight for Integrity Act

This legislation, known as the "Risk-based Oversight for Integrity Act," seeks to modernize the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 by introducing a comprehensive, risk-based approach to the oversight of organic products. A key provision is the new definition of " risk to organic integrity ," which refers to the likelihood that a product marketed as organic was not produced or processed in compliance with the Act. This foundational definition underpins the proposed changes to inspection and regulatory protocols. The bill significantly amends inspection requirements for certified organic farms and handling operations. While foreign operations will continue to receive annual on-site inspections, domestic operations will undergo an on-site inspection every three years , with intervening annual inspections conducted either on-site or virtually based on their determined risk to organic integrity. Additionally, handling operations that do not physically receive or process organic products may utilize virtual inspection methods to ensure compliance. Furthermore, the Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study within 12 months to evaluate the necessity and appropriateness of establishing oversight protocols based on this defined risk. This study will examine the feasibility of implementing differential treatment for non-compliance, standardized organic plans, and a multi-tiered certification approach aligned with risk and operational scale. Following the study, the Secretary is mandated to submit a report to Congress and may then issue new regulations to establish or modify oversight protocols, aiming to reduce oversight costs for lower-risk entities and prioritize resources for higher-risk activities, all while maintaining strong organic integrity.