Farmers Plead Guilty to Fraud in Multimillion Dollar Grain Marketing Scheme

Three Nebraskan farmers pleaded guilty recently to fraudulently marketing non-organic corn and soybeans as certified organic.

The farmers pleaded to wire fraud and face up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors say the three sold non-organic grains to an Iowa company that marketed them nationwide with an organic label. In particular, they allegedly used unapproved substances such as pesticides and nitrogen to grow the crops.

The scheme reportedly lasted from 2010 until 2017. The USDA estimates the farmers netted $2.5 million in the scheme. Media reports suggest the trio netted at least $10.8 million. Prosecutors are seeking a $10.8 million forfeiture in connection with the fraud.

Source: USDA, Lincoln Journal Star