An appeal is a formal request that a higher authority reexamine a decision of another body. Organic operations and certifying agents have the right to appeal decisions made by certifying agents or the National Organic Program. Additional information is provided below.
Appeals are reviewed by the Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator. The appeal file is prepared by the NOP Appeals Team, which consists of staff in USDA’s Compliance and Analysis Program. The Compliance and Analysis Program is a separate Program from NOP, and not part of original certification or accreditation decisions. Therefore, appeals are independently reviewed in an unbiased manner.
To access information regarding actions on a specific appeal or settlement agreement, visit the
NOP Reading Room and select the appropriate type: