The National Organic Program (NOP), part of USDA’s 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), has regulatory oversight 

responsibilities over the USDA organic standards and the 

accreditation of organic certifying agents. The NOP also has 

authority to take appropriate legal action to enforce the 

organic standards and thus protect the integrity of the USDA 

organic standards, from farm to market, around the world. 

Organic is a labeling term for food or other agricultural 

products that have been produced using cultural, biological, 

and mechanical practices that support the cycling of on-farm 

resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve 

biodiversity in accordance with the USDA organic regulations. 

This means that organic operations must maintain or enhance 

soil and water quality, while also conserving wetlands, 

woodlands, and wildlife. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, 

irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used. 

Only products that have been certified as meeting the USDA’s 

requirements for organic production and handling may carry 

the USDA Organic Seal.

The NOP is organized into four key groups: the Office of the 

Deputy Administrator, the Standards Division, the 

Accreditation and International Activities Division, and the 

Compliance and Enforcement Division.

Based in Washington DC, the NOP has diverse expertise in 

organic agriculture, policy analysis and development, 

accreditation management, materials, compliance and 

enforcement, auditing, and public sector management. 

The NOP is responsible for overseeing approximately 80 

certifying agents and more than 33,300 certified organic 

operations around the world. 

The National Organic Program

United States Department of Agriculture

What Is Organic?

How Does NOP Support Organic Integrity?

To meet this responsibility, the NOP team conducts the 

following activities:

 Supports the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), a 

Federal advisory committee.

 Sets standards for organically-produced agricultural 

products. The NOP develops and updates regulations and 

policies; and facilitates the review of materials for use in 

organic agriculture.

 Accredits and oversees a network of third-party certifiers, 

who certify organic farms and businesses.

 Investigates complaints alleging violations of USDA 

organic regulations and enforces organic production, 

handling, and labeling standards; administers the NOP 

appeals program.

 Facilitates open markets for US organic products by 

working with other USDA agencies and foreign 

governments to establish and maintain organic 

equivalency arrangements.

 Administers organic certification cost share grant 

programs. 

 Engages stakeholders through communication, outreach, 

and training programs.

Visit the Agricultural Marketing Service National Organic Program 

homepage at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop or contact:

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

National Organic Program

1400 Independence Avenue SW

Room 2646; Stop 0268

Washington, DC 20250

Phone: 202-720-3252

Contact Us

USDA NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, Agricultural Marketing Service November 2016

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