Reinforcing its commitment to transparency and integrity in the organic industry, Mercaris, a leader in organic and non-GMO market analysis and trading, has earned an Organic Handler’s Certificate from Quality Assurance International.
In addition, Mercaris founder and CEO Kellee James has been appointed to the board of the Organic Trade Association.
The Organic Handler’s Certification follows an extensive application, document review and inspection process along with annual on-site inspections to ensure that Mercaris’ practices are consistent with organic regulations.
“This wasn’t a requirement, but this level of transparency is part of our commitment to the industry,” James says. “We want to be proactive and support best-practices in the organic marketplace.”
Along with the annual inspections, requirements include having supplier certificates on file and traceability through trade confirmations and invoices to customers.
In addition to the certification, James was recently named to the board of the Organic Trade Association. OTA promotes the U.S. organic industry and represents more than 9,500 organic businesses – including growers, shippers, processors, certifiers and more – in every state.
“OTA has been such a support to me and to Mercaris, as members,” James says. “This is a chance to give back to the organization as it continues to do crucial work for the organic sector.”
About Mercaris
Since 2013, Mercaris has been helping its customers capitalize on growing demand for organic and non-GMO foods by providing market access and services tailored to the needs of the identity-preserved agriculture industry. Mercaris focuses its data and services on identity-preserved commodities, including organic and non-GMO corn, soybean, meal and organic wheat, and other small grains markets across all regions of the United States and Canada, and recently launched an organic dairy initiative. Mercaris also maintains an online Trading Platform, a pioneering tool that enables buyers and sellers to find new markets and more profitably trade organic and non-GMO commodities.