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You are here: Home / National Organic Program / Program Handbook

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. Moving forward, all changes will be listed in the Summary of Changes document by date and reflected in the Table of Contents. NOP Organic Insider subscribers will also be notified via email. These messages will also be archived on the NOP website. Subscribe.

Current Handbook Edition

Revised May 15, 2013

Introduction (PDF)

Summary of Changes (PDF)

Individual Documents: Table of Contents (PDF)

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

NOP.guidance@ams.usda.gov

202-720-3252


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		USDA Organic Regulations


		Program Handbook


		Draft Guidance


		How to Submit Comments

Last Modified Date: 05/15/2013



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