Organic Regulations

The National Organic Program (NOP) develops the rules & regulations for the production, handling, labeling, and enforcement of all USDA organic products. This process, referred to as rulemaking, involves input from the National Organic Standards Board (a Federal Advisory Committee made up of fifteen members of the public) and the public. The NOP also maintains a Handbook that includes guidance, instructions, policy memos, and other documents that communicate the organic standards. 

Regulatory References

Temporary Variances

The Administrator may grant temporary variances from the production and handling requirements of the USDA organic regulations for the following reasons: natural disasters declared by the Secretary; damage caused by severe weather or other business interruption; or practices used for the purpose of conducting research in organic production or handling.

Standards-Related Fact Sheets

About NOP