Colorado State University Extension
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SAFEFOOD NEWS - Winter 2002- Vol 6, No 2

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Update On The National Organic Program (NOP)

The national standards for the production, handling, and processing of organically grown agricultural products was released December 2000. The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 and National Organic Program (NOP) require that agricultural products labeled as organic originate from farms or handling operations certified by a state or private agency that has been accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

As of January 2, 2002, the NOP had received 85 applications for USDA accreditation as organic certifying agents. The first round of USDA-accredited certifying agents will be announced in April 2002. USDA, accredited certifying agents, and where applicable, approved State Organic Programs will be responsible for enforcing the national regulations. The certifying agents are required to provide sufficient information to persons seeking certification to enable them to comply with OFPA and national organic standards. This is an important component as the USDA does not plan on conducting any training for the producer or handler.

Certifying agents will also review labels for compliance with NOP requirements. Note, however, that labels approved by a federal agency such as FDA, FSIS or BATF, must continue to be approved by those regulatory agencies. The consumer will not see the use of the USDA seal on any organic product packaging until October 21, 2002. The NOP plans to provide a list of accredited certifying agents on its website at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/. A list can also be requested through the NOP at 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 2510 South Building, Washington, DC 20250. The first list will be available the end of April 2002.

Sources: 1. NOP Policies and News Updates, January 7, 2002. 2. NOP Urgent: Notice on USDA Organic Seal Use. 3. USDA Extends Early Application Deadline for Organic Accreditation. AMS News Release, October 23, 2001. 4. NOP Frequently Asked Questions. NOP articles can be located at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/

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Updated Monday, August 29, 2011