This article explains IFOAM – Organics International's concerns about a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by an organic farmer, which challenges the integrity and governance of group certification for organic farming. The lawsuit alleges that group certification may facilitate fraudulent practices and create inequities between individual American organic farmers and farmers organized under producer groups that use Internal Control Systems (ICSs). It questions whether the USDA has the authority to delegate farm inspections and whether the new regulations sufficiently ensure compliance.

IFOAM defends group certification as essential for providing millions of smallholder organic farmers worldwide with market access while maintaining product integrity. They acknowledge differences between USDA rules and other international standards, such as EU legislation, but emphasize the importance of robust oversight for ICS and individual certifications alike.

The organization firmly opposes fraud in the organic sector and supports thorough investigations into the allegations, advocating strict legal action if fraud is uncovered. IFOAM also urges a balanced approach to regulation, cautioning against national policies that might have global repercussions without addressing the root causes of the issues.