Establishing the National Organic Program

National Organic Program 

 

Docket Number: TMD–00–02–FR

Effective: February 20, 2001 

 

This final rule establishes the National Organic Program (NOP or program) under the direction of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), an arm of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This national program will facilitate domestic and international marketing of fresh and processed food that is organically produced and assure consumers that such products meet consistent, uniform standards. This program establishes national standards for the production and handling of organically produced products, including a National List of substances approved for and prohibited from use in organic production and handling. This final rule establishes a national-level accreditation program to be administered by AMS for State officials and private persons who want to be accredited as certifying agents. Under the program, certifying agents will certify production and handling operations in compliance with the requirements of this regulation and initiate compliance actions to enforce program requirements. The final rule includes requirements for labeling products as organic and containing organic ingredients. This final rule also provides for importation of organic agricultural products from foreign programs determined to have equivalent organic program requirements. This program is authorized under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended.

 

Melissa Bailey, PhD, Director, Standards Division, National Organic Program

USDA–AMS–NOP

1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2646–So., Ag Stop 0268

Washington, DC 20250–0268;

Telephone: (202) 720–3252

Fax: (202) 205-7808