Minnesota farmer accused of passing chemically treated soybeans and corn off as organically-grown.
James Clayton Wolf was arrested July 7th in federal court for felony wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that Wolf fraudulently labeled crops from his Cottonwood County farm organic. They also claim that he defrauded grain buyers by destroying the organic labeling system.
Organic crops are non-GMO and grown without the use of fertilizers or chemicals. They are more expensive than non-organic plants.
The federal National Organic Program oversees organic crop certification and is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
According to the grand jury’s indictment, Wolf’s organic farming certificate was revoked by the Grand Jury in 2020. The document states that Wolf sold non-GMO grains through an “associate” despite being indicted.
Paul Engh is Wolf’s attorney.
Engh said that Mr. Wolf, a 65-year old career farmer who has never been in trouble, was named Mr. Wolf. Engh said that Mr. Wolf has lived a happy life and is now seeking his vindication.
Wolf will appear before a magistrate July 22.
Federal sentencing guidelines state that wire fraud can result in a felony and up to 20 years imprisonment. Andrew Luger, U.S. attorney, said that the indictment was the result of cooperation between the FBI inspector general’s and the USDA inspector general.
