Organic Movement Stunted by Organic Certification

Organic agriculture is at a crossroads. As consumer demand grows and small farms seek viable market pathways, the complexity of USDA organic certification has become a flashpoint. Farmers, certifiers, and industry advocates increasingly argue that a system built decades ago for a smaller sector must modernize to meet today’s realities.

Reforms to USDA organic certification are gaining momentum following recommendations from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. Its second report, released in September 2025, called for streamlining certification to reduce costs and administrative burdens for small farms transitioning to organic, according to reporting by Farm Progress.

The MAHA Commission identified modernization as key to expanding organic acreage. Recommendations include flexible, risk-based inspections, simplified recordkeeping scaled to farm size, and clearer supplier-approval processes. The report urges USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and the National Organic Program to work with third-party certifiers to keep the process “sound and sensible” while preserving organic integrity. AMS has confirmed it is developing a Common Organic System Plan to harmonize certifier requirements and clarify expectations.

These proposals build on earlier USDA initiatives, including the Sound and Sensible Initiative, which provides tools and training to simplify inspections and recordkeeping. The NOP also operates the Organic Integrity Learning Center, offering templates and educational resources. At the same time, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule has increased inspection and traceability requirements, adding complexity for smaller farms. Certifiers have noted inspector shortages and administrative strain in recent National Organic Standards Board meetings.

Simplifying certification while maintaining integrity could broaden participation, expand supply, and strengthen the organic sector’s growth trajectory, helping farms better connect with markets and consumers.

Sources: Farm Progress, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA National Organic Program.