This is a weekly curated dispatch covering developments in organic, sustainability, and health & wellness certifications. New editions publish every Friday.
Organic Certifications
EU Council Agrees Position to Simplify Organic Farming Rules
EU member states agreed a negotiating position in mid-May to simplify the bloc's organic production and labelling regulation, including certification exemptions for small operators and small online retailers of pre-packed organic goods, plus adjusted turnover thresholds. The move aims to cut administrative burden while supporting continued growth of the organic sector, and sets up negotiations with the European Parliament. Source: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/05/11/organic-farming-council-negotiating-position-on-simpler-and-clearer-organic-farming-rules-agreed/
First USDA Organic-Certified Biochar in the U.S. Earns Certification
Colorado-based US Agrichar earned USDA organic certification on May 12 for its wood-feedstock biochar — described as the first organic-certified biochar produced in the United States — through accredited certifier Where Food Comes From Organic. The milestone reflects rising demand among organic growers for verified, sustainably sourced soil inputs. Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/05/12/3293058/0/en/US-Agrichar-Achieves-USDA-Organic-Certification-for-Colorado-Produced-Biochar.html
Sustainability Certifications
EU Hosts First Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Forum
The European Commission's climate directorate convened the inaugural CRCF Days in Brussels on May 20-21, a stakeholder forum on implementing the EU's voluntary Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming certification framework. Sessions covered the first certification methodologies for permanent carbon removals and plans for an EU Buyers' Club to drive demand and investment. Source: https://climate.ec.europa.eu/citizens-stakeholders/events/carbon-removals-and-carbon-farming-crcf-days-2026-05-20_en
B Corp Movement Marks 20 Years as Stricter Standards Reshape Certification
B Lab marked the 20th anniversary of the B Corp movement on May 21 with a special impact report, noting the community has grown past 10,000 certified companies across more than 100 countries. The milestone arrives as B Lab's overhauled standards take hold — replacing the old points-based model with mandatory minimum requirements across seven impact areas including climate action, governance and human rights, plus third-party verification aligned with EU regulation. Source: https://www.pioneerspost.com/news-views/20260521/b-corp-celebrates-20-years-challenging-the-world-redefine-the-role-of-business
Health & Wellness Certifications
Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Make Supplements HSA/FSA Eligible
Senators Kevin Cramer and John Curtis introduced the bipartisan Dietary Supplements Access Act on May 20, which would let consumers use pre-tax HSA and FSA dollars to buy over-the-counter supplements, up to $250 a year for individuals. Backed by major supplement trade associations, the bill would take effect in 2027 if enacted. Source: https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/05/20/dietary-supplements-access-act-introduced-in-senate/
Clean-Label Momentum Continues as Nature's Path Expands Certified Line
Nature's Path launched a new USDA Certified Organic granola on May 20, the latest in a wave of product launches leaning on third-party marks such as USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified to signal ingredient transparency to shoppers. The launch underscores how stacked certifications remain central to clean-label positioning in food and beverage. Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natures-path-debuts-first-certified-organic-granola-inspired-by-dubai-chocolate-trend-expanding-love-crunch-dessert-inspired-granola-line-302776927.html