East Coast organic corn prices have strengthened in recent weeks as buyers look to cover their inventory needs amid growing volatility. Industry rumors point to a large load of organic corn under investigation by NOP, but we’re unable to confirm this. 

However, the National Organic Program (NOP), a division of USDA, has recently taken prompt action – for the federal government – on West African organic soybeans and meal. They are positioning themselves for effective enforcement because of the stringent new requirements outlined in October 24’s commentary.

The agency’s demands aren’t technically new. The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) is built upon NOP import certificates (NOP-IC) and a governing principle of traceability. 

Operators have been blurring the lines as far as NOP requirements go by bundling shipments under one IC. The inclination to bypass…