The USDA has issued a proposed rule to rescind the Market Development for Mushrooms and Pet Food Rule, which was finalized in 2024 to provide regulatory clarity for these sectors within the organic program.
The standards in question were developed over more than 15 years of stakeholder collaboration and NOSB recommendations, and they aimed to bring consistency and opportunity to areas of the organic market that have historically lacked clear guidance.
The 2024 rule aligned organic pet food with AAFCO nutritional guidelines, authorized the use of organic animal by-products, and permitted essential amino acids necessary for complete and balanced formulations. It also supported the competitiveness of U.S. mushroom producers by clarifying eligibility for organic certification.
CCOF encourages all organic stakeholders—producers, consumers, and advocates—to review the proposed rule and submit comments by June 11 at midnight ET. Public engagement is essential to ensuring that the organic program continues to evolve in a way that reflects the needs and values of the organic community.
To learn more and submit a comment, visit the Federal Register docket here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/12/2025-08219/rescinding-national-organic-program-market-development-for-mushrooms-and-pet-food
