Organic market stakeholders have highlighted the phenomenon of “grower groups” in global organic agriculture, and the economic injury it causes US producers. At issue is the historical practice of combining groups of small producers into loose alliances that enable them to access organic markets without bearing the individual costs of certification and compliance.

On face value, the practice insinuates equitability and fair market access for poor farmers. The poor farmers are not the issue, but rather the corporations that have played an increasing role in the management, oversight, and even the inspection of these farms.

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