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National Organic Program
 
About Us  
Our Vision
Organic Integrity from Farm to Table,
Consumers Trust the Organic Label.

 

 
Our Mission. Ensuring the integrity of USDA organic products in the United States and throughout the world.

 

 
Overview. The National Organic Program (NOP) is a regulatory program housed within the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. We are responsible for developing national standards for organically-produced agricultural products. These standards assure consumers that products with the USDA organic seal meet consistent, uniform standards. Our regulations do not address food safety or nutrition. NOP Fact Sheet | Organizational Chart | Contact Us

 

 
Key Activities
  • Develop regulations and guidance on organic standards
  • Manage the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
  • Accredit certifying agents to certify organic producers & handlers
  • Establish international organic import and export policies
  • Investigate and take action on regulatory violation complaints
  • Facilitate the work of the National Organic Standards Board, a Federal Advisory Committee
  • Oversee the Organic Certification Cost Share programs to support certified organic operators
  • Provide training to certifying agents, USDA staff, & other stakeholders
  • Engage and serve the organic community

 

 
USDA Organic Insider
The USDA Organic Insider informs the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services. Subscribe | View Archive

 

 
Organic Integrity Quarterly Newsletter

 
2015

 
2014

 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2010

 

 
NOP Reports

 

 
Peer Review Reports

 
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Peer Review of the NOP Accreditation Program: Executive Summary | Full Peer Review Report

 

 
Allow organic operations certified to the USDA organic or foreign organic standard to be labeled and sold as organic in both countries.

 
U.S. – Japan Organic Trade Partnership

 

 
U.S. – European Union Organic Trade Partnership

 

 
U.S. – Canada Organic Trade Partnership

 

 
Allow a foreign government to accredit organic certifiers in that country to the USDA organic standards.

 

 

 
External Reports

 

 
Court Decisions

 

 
Regulatory Authority. Federal regulations are the laws authorized by major legislation enacted by Congress. The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 authorized USDA to establish the National Organic Program and develop the organic regulations.

 

 
Additional Resources

 

 
Useful Links. Other Federal agencies and industry groups are involved in organic agriculture:

 
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  2015-2018 Strategic Plan (PDF)  
 
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  Last Modified Date: 06/12/2015