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{{Short description|U.S. federal regulatory framework}}
[[Image:National Organic Program.jpg|thumb|The National Organic Program administers the Organic Seal to products that meet the requirements.]]
[[File:National Organic Program.jpg|thumb|250px|The National Organic Program (run by the [[USDA]]) is responsible for the labeling of foods as "organic".]] [[File:USDA organic seal.svg|thumb|125px|USDA organic seal]]
[[Image:USDA organic seal.svg|thumb|185px|Official seal of the U.S. National Organic Program]]
In the [[United States]], the '''National Organic Program''' ('''NOP''') is the federal regulatory framework governing [[organic food]]. It is also the name of the program of the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) [[Agricultural Marketing Service]] (AMS) responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The [[Organic Foods Production Act of 1990]] required that the USDA develop national standards for organic products, and the final rule establishing the NOP was first published in the [[Federal Register]] in 2000<ref>{{USFR|65|80548}} (December 21, 2000)</ref> and is codified in the [[Code of Federal Regulations]] at {{USCFR|7|205}}. The core mission of the NOP is to protect the integrity of the USDA organic seal.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/NOP-2015StrategicPlan.pdf|title=Agricultural Marketing Service. National Organic Program Strategic Plan 2015-2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=}}</ref>
The '''National Organic Program''' ('''NOP''') is the federal regulatory framework in the [[United States|United States of America]] governing [[organic food]]. It is also the name of the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) [[Agricultural Marketing Service]] (AMS) program responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The core mission of the NOP is to protect the integrity of the USDA organic seal. The seal is used for products adhering to USDA standards that contain at least 95% [[Organic farming|organic ingredients]].


The [[Organic Foods Production Act of 1990]] (OFPA) required that the USDA develop national standards for organic products, and the final rule establishing the NOP was first published in the [[Federal Register]] in 2000<ref>{{USFR|65|80548}} (December 21, 2000)</ref> and is codified in the [[Code of Federal Regulations]] at {{USCFR|7|205}}.
⚫
==Overview==
The NOP covers fresh and [[processed food|processed]] agricultural food products, including [[agriculture|crops]] and [[livestock]]. It does cover non-food products that may be sold as organic, including [[nature|natural]] [[fiber]]s (e.g.: organic [[cotton]]). [[Health]] and [[beauty]] products (e.g.: organic [[shampoo]]) can also be labeled organic if compliant with NOP. The USDA NOP ''does'' have the authority to enforce organic standards in the realm of health and beauty products, and were encouraged to do so in a 2009 recommendation from the USDA [[National Organic Standards Board]]. While the actual law does apply to these products, enforcement remains limited in this market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/documents/CACCNOSBOrganicPersonalCareAug312009.pdf|title=Organic Food|publisher=Organicconsumers.org|accessdate=2012-09-09}}</ref> Regulations of the NOP also do not address issues of nutrition or food safety.<ref name="ams.usda.gov">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program|title=National Organic Program {{!}} Agricultural Marketing Service|website=www.ams.usda.gov|access-date=2016-04-23}}</ref>


⚫
== Overview ==
The National Organic Program grew from fewer than twelve total employees in 2008 to approximately 45 in 2015.<ref name=":0" /> As of April 2011, it operates in three divisions in addition to the Office of Deputy Administrator: Standards, Accreditation and International Activities (AIA), and Compliance and Enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop |title=Agricultural Marketing Service - National Organic Program |publisher=Ams.usda.gov |date=2008-10-31 |accessdate=2012-09-09}}</ref>
The NOP covers fresh and [[processed food|processed]] agricultural food products.


The National Organic Program grew from fewer than twelve total employees in 2008 to approximately 37 in 2019 and 82 in January 2023. This growth has been due to increased annual funding appropriated by Congress since 2018.
The key activities of the National Organic Program are to:
The key activities of the National Organic Program are to:
* Maintain the list of certified organic operations and help new farmers and business learn how to get certified
* Maintain the Organic Integrity Database, a listing of certified organic operations, and help new farmers and business learn how to get certified
* Develop regulations and guidance on organic standards
* Develop regulations and guidance on organic standards
* Manage the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
* Manage the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
* Accredit certifying agents to certify organic producers & handlers
* Accredit certifying agents to certify organic producers and handlers
⚫
* Facilitate the work of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), a Federal Advisory Committee
* Establish international organic import and export policies
⚫
* Provide training to certifying agents, USDA staff, and other stakeholders
⚫
* Facilitate the work of the National Organic Standards Board, a Federal Advisory Committee
⚫
* Engage and serve the organic community
* Oversee the Organic Certification Cost Share programs to support certified organic operators
* Investigate alleged violations of the organic standards and bring violators to justice
⚫
* Provide training to certifying agents, USDA staff, & other stakeholders
⚫
* Engage and serve the organic community<ref name="ams.usda.gov"/>
The AMS has established five strategic goals for the NOP for 2015-2018: '''Protect organic integrity''' (through policies, compliance, audits of the organic seal); '''Facilitate market access''' (by supporting producers and processors, and supporting organic trade agreements); '''Create and implement clear standards'''; '''Build technology that advances organic integrity''' (by building a database and enhancing management tools); and '''Develop the team and organization'''.<ref name=":0" />


==Regulation==
== Regulation ==
The [[Organic Foods Production Act of 1990]] "requires the [[United States Secretary of Agriculture|Secretary of Agriculture]] to establish a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances which identifies synthetic substances that may be used, and the nonsynthetic substances that cannot be used, in organic production and handling operations."<ref>Text copied from {{cite web|url=http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=NationalListLinkNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&rightNav1=NationalListLinkNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&topNav=&leftNav=&page=NOPNationalList&resultType=&acct=nopgeninfo|accessdate=15 June 2011|title=National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances |publisher=[[Agricultural Marketing Service]] }}</ref> Under this act, the Secretary of Agriculture promulgated regulations establishing the National Organic Program (NOP) in 2000. It restricts the use of the term "organic" to certified organic producers (excepting growers selling under $5,000 a year, who must still comply and submit to a records audit if requested, but do not have to formally apply). Certification is handled by state, non-profit and private agencies that have been approved by the USDA (see section below).
The [[Organic Foods Production Act of 1990]] "requires the [[United States Secretary of Agriculture|Secretary of Agriculture]] to establish a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances which identifies synthetic substances that may be used, and the nonsynthetic substances that cannot be used, in organic production and handling operations."<ref>Text copied from {{cite web|title=National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances|url=https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/national-list-allowed-and-prohibited-substances|url-status=dead|access-date=15 June 2011|website=USDA.gov|publisher=[[Agricultural Marketing Service]]|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118162118/https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/national-list-allowed-and-prohibited-substances}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=5 November 2020|title=Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)|url=https://www.ecfr.gov/|access-date=2020-11-08|website=Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)|language=en}}</ref> Under this act, the Secretary of Agriculture promulgated regulations establishing the National Organic Program (NOP) in 2000. It restricts the use of the term "organic" to certified organic producers (excepting growers selling under $5,000 a year, who must still comply and submit to a records audit if requested, but do not have to formally apply). Certification is handled by state, non-profit and private agencies that have been approved by the USDA {{cn|date=August 2023}}


NOP regulations cover in detail all aspects of [[food production]], [[food processing|processing]], delivery and [[retail]] sale. Under the NOP, [[farmer]]s and food processors who wish to use the [[word]] "organic" in reference to their [[business]]es and [[Product (business)|product]]s, must be [[certified organic]]. Producers with annual sales not exceeding US$5,000 are exempted<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255 |title=Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? |publisher=Mayoclinic.com |date= |accessdate=2012-09-09}}</ref> and do not require certification (however, they must still follow NOP [[Technical standard|standards]], including keeping [[recordkeeping|record]]s and submitting to a production [[audit]] if requested, and cannot use the term ''certified organic'').
NOP regulations cover in detail all aspects of [[food production]], [[food processing|processing]], delivery and [[retail]] sale. Under the NOP, farmers and food processors who wish to use the word ''organic'' in reference to their businesses and [[Product (business)|products]], must be [[certified organic]]. Producers with annual sales not exceeding US$5,000 are exempted and do not require certification (however, they must still follow NOP [[Technical standard|standards]], including keeping [[recordkeeping|records]] and submitting to a production [[audit]] if requested, and cannot use the term ''certified organic'').


Products labeled “100 percent organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic ingredients” must adhere to the Organic Production and Handling Requirements outlined in the regulation 7 CFR Part 205. A '''USDA Organic''' seal identifies raw, fresh, and processed products with at least 95% organic ingredients.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3004446 |title=Organic Labeling and Marketing Information |date= |accessdate=2012-09-09}}</ref> A product that has not been certified organic by a USDA-authorized certifying agent may not bear the USDA organic seal.<ref name="Seal">[http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?&template=TemplateA&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPOrganicSeal&description=The%20Organic%20Seal USDA Organic Seal], United States Department of Agriculture, National Organic Program.</ref> Products containing at least 70 percent organically produced ingredients may include a “Made with Organic” label to specify up to three ingredients or ingredient categories. They can not use the USDA organic seal or represent that the finished product is organic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/organic-labeling-standards|title=Organic Labeling Standards {{!}} Agricultural Marketing Service|website=www.ams.usda.gov|access-date=2016-04-23}}</ref> Misuse of the USDA Organic seal on a product may lead to USDA compliance and enforcement actions, including fines up to $11,000 per violation.<ref name="Seal"/> Misuse may also lead to the suspension or revocation of the violator's organic certificate.<ref name="Seal"/>
Products labeled "100 percent organic", "organic", or "made with organic ingredients" must adhere to the Organic Production and Handling Requirements outlined in the regulation 7 CFR Part 205. A '''USDA Organic''' seal identifies raw, fresh, and processed products with at least 95% organic ingredients.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3004446 |title=Organic Labeling and Marketing Information |website=AMS.USDA.gov |publisher=Agricultural Marketing Service, US Dept. of Agriculture |access-date=2012-09-09 |archive-date=2015-07-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706231920/http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3004446 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A product that has not been certified organic by a USDA-authorized certifying agent may not bear the USDA organic seal.<ref name="Seal">{{cite web| url= http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?&template=TemplateA&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPOrganicSeal&description=The%20Organic%20Seal |title= USDA Organic Seal| publisher= National Organic Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, US Dept. of Agriculture}}</ref> Products containing at least 70 percent organically produced ingredients may include a “Made with Organic” label to specify up to three ingredients or ingredient categories. They can not use the USDA organic seal or represent that the finished product is organic.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/organic-labeling-standards| title= Organic Labeling Standards| publisher= Agricultural Marketing Service, United States Dept. of Agriculture| website= AMS.USDA.gov|access-date=2016-04-23}}</ref> Misuse of the USDA Organic seal on a product may lead to USDA compliance and enforcement actions, including fines up to $11,000 per violation.<ref name="Seal" /> Misuse may also lead to the suspension or revocation of the violator's organic certificate.<ref name="Seal" />


==USDA Accredited Certifying Agents==
=== USDA accredited certifying agents ===
As of 2023, there are about 75 USDA accredited certifying agents (ACA), some of which also have satellite offices.
As of 2015, there are 80 USDA Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs) who are accredited and authorized by the USDA to [[organic certification|certify organic operations]] as in compliance with USDA organic standards.<ref name="ACAs">[http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateJ&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPACAs&description=USDA%2520Accredited%2520Certifying%2520Agents USDA Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs)], National Organic Program United States Department of Agriculture.</ref> "Of these, 48 are based in the U.S. and 32 are based in foreign countries. Most certifying agents are directly accredited by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Twenty-one additional certifying agents are authorized through recognition agreements between the U.S. and foreign governments."<ref name="ACAs"/>


The NOP provides organic producers with resources to assist in becoming certified organic, including an organic program handbook (which includes guidance, certifier instructions, and policy memos), fact sheets, online training modules, and ways to identify accredited certifying agents.
According to USDA statistics, in 2012 the largest ACAs in the U.S. are [[CCOF Certification Services]] (14% of the USDA-certified organic operations in the United States), followed by Midwest Organic Services Association, Inc. (8%), [[Oregon Tilth]] (7%), and [[Quality Assurance International]] (QAI) (6%), the Washington State Department of Agriculture (6%), and the [[Organic Crop Improvement Association]] (4%).<ref>[http://www.ccof.org/press/ccof-once-again-tops-list-nop-organic-certifiers CCOF Once Again Tops List of NOP Organic Certifiers: USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Releases Updated List of Certified Organic Operations] (April 4, 2013).</ref>


In 2022, USDA announced the Organic Transition Initiative to further support transitioning farmers.
In August 2008, the NOP announced that 15 of 30 federally accredited organic certifiers had been placed on probation for various violations of USDA organic standards.<ref>{{cite book|last=Reed|first=Matthew|title=Rebels for the Soil: The Rise of the Global Organic Food and Farming Movement|publisher=Taylor and Francis|date=June 16, 2010|pages=99|isbn=978-1844075973|url=https://books.google.ca/books?id=dLddeOZ-FV4C&pg=PA99&lpg=PA99&dq=organic+certifiers+on+probation&source=bl&ots=rHUmn75FAY&sig=eNBpk-FjGOFyoWB13b4RIEgh_iA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=C73kVPWsBYHioATJyIHgDg&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=organic%20certifiers%20on%20probation&f=false|accessdate=February 18, 2015}}</ref>


⚫
=== International equivalency ===
The NOP provides organic producers with resources to assist in becoming certified organic, including an organic program handbook (which includes guidance, certifier instructions, and policy memos), fact sheets, online training modules, and ways to identify accredited certifying agents. The NOP administers an [https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/occsp Organic Certification Cost Share Program] to help defray the costs to organic producers and processors of receiving certification. As of 2015, organic operations may receive up to 75% of their certification costs paid; not to exceed $750 per certification scope.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/occsp|title=Organic Certification Cost Share Programs {{!}} Agricultural Marketing Service|website=www.ams.usda.gov|access-date=2016-04-23}}</ref> There are two types of reimbursement: Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) which provides $900,000 and is available to crop and livestock producers in 16 participating states; and National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) which provides over $10 million and is available to all producers and handlers in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.<ref name=":1" />
⚫
Beginning in 2009, the US implemented an international organic equivalency agreement with Canada. In 2012 they implemented an agreement with the European Union ([[EU-Eco-regulation]]), and in 2014 with Japan and Korea.<ref name=":2" /> Under these agreements, USDA-certified organic products do not need to meet a separate set of standards before being exported to the market, and vice versa, as equivalency agreements essentially imply that the two sets of standards are equivalent despite a few small differences and do not require any additional certification for the specific market. These agreements streamline certification requirements and increase access to new market opportunities, while maintaining organic integrity of the respective markets.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Jaenicke|first=Edward C.|last2=Demko|first2=Iryna|date=December 2015|title=Impacts from Organic Equivalency Policies: A Gravity Trade Model Analysis |url= http://ota.com/sites/default/files/indexed_files/OTAOrganicTradeReport2015.pdf |journal= Organic Trade Association }}</ref>


== Support and assistance ==
⚫
==International equivalency==
The USDA [[Natural Resources Conservation Service]] (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives (EQIP) Organic Program provides financial and technical assistance to certain organic producers for implementing conservation practices.
⚫
Beginning in 2009, the US implemented an international organic equivalency agreement with Canada. In 2012 they entered an agreement with the European Union, and in 2014 with Japan and Korea.<ref name=":2" /> Under these agreements, USDA-certified organic products do not need to meet a separate set of standards before being exported to the market, and vice versa, as equivalency agreements essentially imply that the two sets of standards are equivalent despite a few small differences and do not require any additional certification for the specific market. These agreements streamline certification requirements and increase access to new market opportunities, while maintaining organic integrity of the respective markets.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Jaenicke|first=Edward C.|last2=Demko|first2=Iryna|date=December 2015|title=Impacts from Organic Equivalency Policies: A Gravity Trade Model Analysis|url=http://ota.com/sites/default/files/indexed_files/OTAOrganicTradeReport2015.pdf|journal=Organic Trade Association|doi=|pmid=|access-date=}}</ref>


==See also==
==Controversy==
Certain types of agricultural systems have generated disagreement about whether they can be included in the certification. One of these systems is [[hydroponics]], which do not rely on [[soil]] for production. In the regulatory process, hydroponics has been subdivided into the following operations:<ref>{{cite web |title=The Fight for Organic: Hydroponic Certification Under Fire |url=https://nationalaglawcenter.org/the-fight-for-organic-hydroponic-certification-under-fire/ |publisher=National Agricultural Law Center |access-date=27 February 2022 |date=November 3, 2020}}</ref>
⚫
{{portal|Agriculture and Agronomy}}
* Hydroponics, growing plants in a water and nutrient solution usually in a substrate such as [[coir|coconut coir]]
* [[Aquaponics]], which combines [[aquaculture]], raising aquatic animals, and traditional hydroponics
* [[Aeroponics]], which mist or spray the roots of the plants with water that contains water soluble nutrients.

The topic first came up at a meeting of the NOSB in April, 1995, which briefly stated that "Hydroponic production in soilless media to be labeled organically produced shall be allowed, if all provisions of the OFPA have been met."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sligh |first1=Michael |title=Appendix J to the Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force Report: Letter from Michael Sligh |url=https://thenaturalfarmer.org/article/appendix-j-hydroponic-aquaponic-task-force-report-letter-michael-sligh/ |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=The Natural Farmer |date=Fall 2017}}</ref> The NOSB has made several proposals and recommendations since then but no action was taken until the fall 2017 NOSB meeting. At that meeting, the NOSB was only able to pass a motion to prohibit aeroponic systems in organic production. In 2018, the USDA issued a clarifying statement that the "certification of hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic operations is allowed under the USDA organic regulations" and would consider the NOSB recommendation on aeroponics.

== See also ==
⚫
{{portal|Agriculture and agronomy}}
* [[Organic certification]]
* [[Organic certification]]
* [[List of organic food topics]]
* [[List of organic food topics]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

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== External links ==
⚫
* [https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic National Organic Program] at USDA.gov


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==External links==
⚫
*[http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop National Organic Program] official USDA site
{{Non-GMO}}
{{Non-GMO}}


[[Category:Organic food]]
[[Category:Organic farming in the United States]]
[[Category:United States Department of Agriculture programs]]
[[Category:United States Department of Agriculture programs]]
[[Category:Agriculture in the United States]]
[[Category:Food safety]]
[[Category:Livestock]]
[[Category:1990 introductions]]
[[Category:2009 introductions]]
[[Category:2012 introductions]]
[[Category:2014 introductions]]

Latest revision as of 19:16, 13 August 2023

The National Organic Program (run by the USDA) is responsible for the labeling of foods as "organic".
USDA organic seal

The National Organic Program (NOP) is the federal regulatory framework in the United States of America governing organic food. It is also the name of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) program responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The core mission of the NOP is to protect the integrity of the USDA organic seal. The seal is used for products adhering to USDA standards that contain at least 95% organic ingredients.

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) required that the USDA develop national standards for organic products, and the final rule establishing the NOP was first published in the Federal Register in 2000[1] and is codified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 7 CFR 205.

Overview[edit]

The NOP covers fresh and processed agricultural food products.

The National Organic Program grew from fewer than twelve total employees in 2008 to approximately 37 in 2019 and 82 in January 2023. This growth has been due to increased annual funding appropriated by Congress since 2018. The key activities of the National Organic Program are to:

  • Maintain the Organic Integrity Database, a listing of certified organic operations, and help new farmers and business learn how to get certified
  • Develop regulations and guidance on organic standards
  • Manage the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
  • Accredit certifying agents to certify organic producers and handlers
  • Facilitate the work of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), a Federal Advisory Committee
  • Provide training to certifying agents, USDA staff, and other stakeholders
  • Engage and serve the organic community
  • Investigate alleged violations of the organic standards and bring violators to justice

Regulation[edit]

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 "requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances which identifies synthetic substances that may be used, and the nonsynthetic substances that cannot be used, in organic production and handling operations."[2][3] Under this act, the Secretary of Agriculture promulgated regulations establishing the National Organic Program (NOP) in 2000. It restricts the use of the term "organic" to certified organic producers (excepting growers selling under $5,000 a year, who must still comply and submit to a records audit if requested, but do not have to formally apply). Certification is handled by state, non-profit and private agencies that have been approved by the USDA [citation needed]

NOP regulations cover in detail all aspects of food production, processing, delivery and retail sale. Under the NOP, farmers and food processors who wish to use the word organic in reference to their businesses and products, must be certified organic. Producers with annual sales not exceeding US$5,000 are exempted and do not require certification (however, they must still follow NOP standards, including keeping records and submitting to a production audit if requested, and cannot use the term certified organic).

Products labeled "100 percent organic", "organic", or "made with organic ingredients" must adhere to the Organic Production and Handling Requirements outlined in the regulation 7 CFR Part 205. A USDA Organic seal identifies raw, fresh, and processed products with at least 95% organic ingredients.[4] A product that has not been certified organic by a USDA-authorized certifying agent may not bear the USDA organic seal.[5] Products containing at least 70 percent organically produced ingredients may include a “Made with Organic” label to specify up to three ingredients or ingredient categories. They can not use the USDA organic seal or represent that the finished product is organic.[6] Misuse of the USDA Organic seal on a product may lead to USDA compliance and enforcement actions, including fines up to $11,000 per violation.[5] Misuse may also lead to the suspension or revocation of the violator's organic certificate.[5]

USDA accredited certifying agents[edit]

As of 2023, there are about 75 USDA accredited certifying agents (ACA), some of which also have satellite offices.

The NOP provides organic producers with resources to assist in becoming certified organic, including an organic program handbook (which includes guidance, certifier instructions, and policy memos), fact sheets, online training modules, and ways to identify accredited certifying agents.

In 2022, USDA announced the Organic Transition Initiative to further support transitioning farmers.

International equivalency[edit]

Beginning in 2009, the US implemented an international organic equivalency agreement with Canada. In 2012 they implemented an agreement with the European Union (EU-Eco-regulation), and in 2014 with Japan and Korea.[7] Under these agreements, USDA-certified organic products do not need to meet a separate set of standards before being exported to the market, and vice versa, as equivalency agreements essentially imply that the two sets of standards are equivalent despite a few small differences and do not require any additional certification for the specific market. These agreements streamline certification requirements and increase access to new market opportunities, while maintaining organic integrity of the respective markets.[7]

Support and assistance[edit]

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives (EQIP) Organic Program provides financial and technical assistance to certain organic producers for implementing conservation practices.

Controversy[edit]

Certain types of agricultural systems have generated disagreement about whether they can be included in the certification. One of these systems is hydroponics, which do not rely on soil for production. In the regulatory process, hydroponics has been subdivided into the following operations:[8]

  • Hydroponics, growing plants in a water and nutrient solution usually in a substrate such as coconut coir
  • Aquaponics, which combines aquaculture, raising aquatic animals, and traditional hydroponics
  • Aeroponics, which mist or spray the roots of the plants with water that contains water soluble nutrients.

The topic first came up at a meeting of the NOSB in April, 1995, which briefly stated that "Hydroponic production in soilless media to be labeled organically produced shall be allowed, if all provisions of the OFPA have been met."[9] The NOSB has made several proposals and recommendations since then but no action was taken until the fall 2017 NOSB meeting. At that meeting, the NOSB was only able to pass a motion to prohibit aeroponic systems in organic production. In 2018, the USDA issued a clarifying statement that the "certification of hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic operations is allowed under the USDA organic regulations" and would consider the NOSB recommendation on aeroponics.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ 65 FR 80548 (December 21, 2000)
  2. ^ Text copied from "National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances". USDA.gov. Agricultural Marketing Service. Archived from the original on 18 November 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  3. ^ "Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)". Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). 5 November 2020. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
  4. ^ "Organic Labeling and Marketing Information". AMS.USDA.gov. Agricultural Marketing Service, US Dept. of Agriculture. Archived from the original on 2015-07-06. Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  5. ^ a b c "USDA Organic Seal". National Organic Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, US Dept. of Agriculture.
  6. ^ "Organic Labeling Standards". AMS.USDA.gov. Agricultural Marketing Service, United States Dept. of Agriculture. Retrieved 2016-04-23.
  7. ^ a b Jaenicke, Edward C.; Demko, Iryna (December 2015). "Impacts from Organic Equivalency Policies: A Gravity Trade Model Analysis" (PDF). Organic Trade Association.
  8. ^ "The Fight for Organic: Hydroponic Certification Under Fire". National Agricultural Law Center. November 3, 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  9. ^ Sligh, Michael (Fall 2017). "Appendix J to the Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force Report: Letter from Michael Sligh". The Natural Farmer. Retrieved 27 February 2022.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=National_Organic_Program&oldid=1170211118"