Get Real: Organic Marketing Under USDA’s Proposed Promotion & Research Agreement

Rita-Marie Cain Reid

ABSTRACT

In May 2016, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) petitioned the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a federal research and promotion program for organic products. This paper discusses the statutory basis for agricultural marketing under USDA. The paper explains some of the legal issues inherent in organic marketing, including free speech concerns. The paper analyzes specifics of the proposed organic marketing program. The paper concludes with recommendations and future research opportunities.