The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products. The NOP also accredits the certifying agents (foreign and domestic) who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards.

October 10, 2008:

UPDATE: NOP has made additions to the accreditation renewal decisions on a first round of certifying agents. Follow this link for talking points and a table of the renewal status of all ACAs (PDF).

Updates have been made to the following ACAs:

Federal Register Notice: National Organic Program (NOP), Sunset Review (2008) (PDF)

The NOP Policies, Procedures, and Reference Documents have been updated to include a revised NOP 2000: General Accreditation Policies and Procedures (PDF). The new NOP 2000: General Accreditation Policies and Procedures have been revised to reflect requirements for certifying agents to submit all required documents in both electronic and hardcopy format. New procedures also require documents be sent to the NOP Audit, Accreditation, and Training Branch office in Fredericksburg, VA.

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