Cottonwood County man pleaded guilty in organic farming scheme

(St. Paul, MN) -- A Minnesota organic farmer is awaiting sentencing for defrauding grain buyers by selling them cheaper grain falsely relabeled as organic.

The District of Minnesota's U.S Attorney's Office says 65-year-old James Wolf pleaded guilty to pocketing more than $19,000,000 in the scheme. Wolf is a certified organic farmer in Southeastern Minnesota. As a part of the plea deal, Wolf will give up all proceeds from the scheme; including land, equipment, and investments bought from the money. 

Wolf also pleaded guilty to one count of Wire Fraud, which will be heard at a separate sentencing date.