Public participation is a key aspect of the regulatory process. The National Organic Program (NOP) welcomes public comments on all key activities, including rulemaking actions and guidance documents. The NOP also accepts comments on behalf of the National Organic Standards Board. To submit comments, please follow the directions below.

Rulemaking Actions. The development of regulations, referred to as rulemaking, provides the opportunity for public input during a specified time period. Open for comments | Submit Comments

Program Handbook. The NOP Handbook provides those who own, manage, or certify organic operations with guidance and instructions that can assist them in complying with the USDA organic regulations. Program Handbook | Submit Comments

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB is a Federal Advisory Committee made up of fifteen members of the public. The NOSB provides recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on a wide variety of topics under the NOP’s purview. The NOP uses these recommendations as the basis for regulatory actions. The NOSB publishes their proposed recommendations with request for comments approximately six weeks before each NOSB public meeting. Learn more