The USDA Organic Regulations

The USDA’s National Organic Program sets and enforces federal organic standards. The standards cover the practices and materials that are allowed in organic crop & livestock production, food manufacturing, labeling, and certification processes.

Organic agriculture, as described by the organic regulations, is a set of cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that support the cycling of on-farm resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. These practices include maintaining or enhancing soil and water quality; conserving wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife; and avoiding use of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering.

Learn more about what the USDA organic regulations require in this USDA Factsheet.

The National Organic Standards Board

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a citizen stakeholder board with 15 members. This board has statutory authority over what types of fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs could be used in organic production. Before a material can be added to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, it must gain approval from a 2/3 majority of NOSB members. The NOSB operates in the public arena, ensures transparency, and insulates organic from political pressures exerted by special interest groups.

The NOSB meets twice a year and invites public stakeholders to provide oral comments during meetings, at pre-meeting webinars, as well as in writing in advance of meetings. NOSB members read hundreds of written public comments and listen to hours of testimony. They deliberate on public input and then advise the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on a wide variety of topics related to organic standards, including National List materials. In reality, there is no place in our food system that is more transparent than in organic production, and the role of the NOSB is central to that transparency.  Learn more about the NOSB.

The USDA Organic Certification Process

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) accredits organic certification agencies. These agencies are responsible for ensuring that organic operations comply with USDA organic standards. Certifying agents approve organic operations’ organic systems plans, conduct annual on-site inspections, verify record keeping, and ensure that prohibited mateirals are not applied. If an operation is not complying with the organic standards, the certifier issues a non compliance, notifies the NOP, and requires the operation to take action to correct the problem.

Learn more about the organic certification process here.