Trade Groups Push U.S. to Keep Chinese Honey Tariffs

Two U.S. honey trade organizations urged regulators last week to maintain tariffs on Chinese honey, warning the U.S. International Trade Commission that revoking an existing anti-dumping order on the products would have a harmful impact on the domestic industry, according to a story written by Django Gold, Law 360, last week.

Gold wrote, “The American Honey Producers Association and the Sioux Honey Association said in comments submitted to the ITC that revocation of anti-dumping duties against Chinese honey would likely lead to ‘continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time’ for the domestic honey industry.”

The International Trade Commission is scheduled to vote on whether to continue the Chinese honey tariffs next Monday, Nov. 19th. It will then publish its determination and views to the Dept. of Commerce on Nov. 29, 2012.

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USDA Strengthens Organic Integrity Through Residue Testing

Beginning January 1, 2013, organic certifying agents must test samples from at least 5 percent of the operations they certify on an annual basis.

While testing has always been a part of organic product oversight and is required by the Organic Foods Production Act, today’s action specifies the minimum amount of testing that must occur.

This additional testing will help certifying agents identify and take enforcement action against farms and businesses intentionally using prohibited substances or methods.

Certifying agents may test USDA organic farms and processors across the United States and throughout the world for any prohibited substances and methods, including:

  • Prohibited pesticides – possible target list
  • Arsenic or other contaminant metals
  • Genetic engineering – GMO policy
  • Synthetic hormones
  • Antibiotics, except in organic apple and pear production per USDA organic regulations

This increased oversight will increase consumer confidence in organic products worldwide, supporting continued growth of the $32 billion organic industry in the United States.