Agricultural Marketing Service
   
 
National Organic Program
 
Program Handbook  
Overview. The goal of the Handbook is to provide those who own, manage, or certify organic operations with guidance and instructions that can assist them in complying with the USDA organic regulations. It is important to note that the National Organic Program (NOP) Handbook is non-binding and any citation issued needs to reference the USDA organic regulations.

 
Formats. The NOP is no longer publishing print versions of the Handbook. It is now designed to be either used electronically or printed by the user.

 
Staying Current. The NOP adds, edits, and removes documents from the Handbook as needed to reflect emerging issues and policy decisions. Subscribe to the NOP Organic Insider to be notified of Handbook updates.

 
Current Handbook Edition
Revised January 8, 2015

 

 

 
Contact Information. Please contact us with requests to:
  • Issue, reconsider, modify, or rescind a guidance document in this Handbook
  • Complain that we are not following the OMB Good Guidance Practices or are improperly treating a guidance document as a binding requirement
  • Send print version of Handbook (for individuals without access to computer and printer only)

 
USDA National Organic Program: Standards Division
Room 2648-S, Stop 0268
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250-0268
202-720-3252

 
Receive NOP Updates
 
  Be an Organic Insider!  
 
NOP Finder
 
  NOP Homepage  
 
  Consumer Information  
 
  Organic Standards  
 
  National Organic Standards Board  
 
  Organic Certification  
 
  Compliance & Enforcement  
 
NOP Policies
 
  USDA Organic Regulations  
 
  Program Handbook  
 
  Draft Guidance  
 
  How to Submit Comments  
 
 
  Last Modified Date: 01/08/2015