Agriculture comes with a set of challenges, no matter what arena you are in. We have to deal with misunderstanding, misinformation, and outright lies about what it is we do. No one in agriculture is immune to it. While organic products are sometimes at odds with more conventional products, their producers also must make sure they are put in the best light possible.
Just like all farmers, organic producers look to the government for programs and legislation to help them do their job better and give them a sense of legitimacy in their work. Organic producers are lauding the new ?Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule.? Tom Chapman is CEO of the Organic Trade Association, and he says that the USDA regulation will protect consumers from fraud and protect their integrity.
Chapman says that while instances of fraudulent organic products were low, they are pleased to be proactive and get ahead of them.
Just like with any other facet of agriculture, their main goal is to build trust amongst their consumers.
Chapman adds that even though the market is larger than it was in the beginning, they are still very much in a growth pattern. However, just like with conventional ag, the economy is setting them back.
