Victory! Federal Court Shuts Down Challenge To Core Organic “Grower Group” Standards

San Francisco: Today, in a win for organic advocates and stakeholders, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of preserving the essential organic “grower group” certification. In 2024, a federal district court held that the challenger, a U.S. organic hazelnut grower, had failed to show how the lawful application of the challenged USDA grower group certification 2023 rule had injured his business and thus lacked standing. Today, the court of appeals affirmed that decision.

“Grower group certification has always been a crucial part of the organic standard,” said George Kimbrell, Legal Director of amici Center for Food Safety. “Today’s decision protecting it is a vital victory for organic farmers, stakeholders, and consumers.”