Part I of this brochure explains the appeals procedure if your organic operation is located in a State without a USDA-approved SOP. Part II explains the process that must be used in a State with a USDA-approved SOP. Part III explains the process that must be used when an adverse action is initiated by the NOP Manager.

The National Organic Program (NOP) has a responsibility to work cooperatively with accredited certifying agents or applicants for accreditation to identify problem areas and resolve issues of alleged noncompliance long before the NOP Manager denies or initiates action to revoke or suspend accreditation.

However, if these efforts fail, and you are notified of a decision with which you don’t agree, you have the right to appeal that decision.