Bill > HR8157

This bill, titled the "Risk-based Oversight for Integrity Act," aims to modernize the oversight of organic food production by introducing a risk-based approach. It defines "risk to organic integrity" as the likelihood that a product labeled organic was not produced or processed in compliance with organic farming standards. The bill also defines "oversight protocols" as the existing regulations, policies, and procedures used by the Secretary of Agriculture. A key provision requires a study within 12 months to determine if oversight protocols should be based on this defined risk, examining how to differentiate noncompliance based on risk, standardize organic plans, and implement a tiered certification system. This study will consider factors like an operation's scale, complexity, location, and compliance history. Following the study, the Secretary will report findings and may issue regulations to adjust oversight protocols, potentially reducing costs for lower-risk operations and prioritizing resources for higher-risk activities, all while maintaining strong organic integrity. The bill also modifies inspection requirements, allowing for virtual or on-site inspections every three years for U.S.-based operations, with the frequency and method determined by the Secretary based on the operation's risk to organic integrity, while foreign operations will continue to receive annual on-site inspections.