What is the National Organic Program (NOP)?
The National Organic Program (NOP) is an agricultural law program created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop and enforce national standards for organic food production and handling in the United States. The NOP was created in response to the passage of the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) in 1990. The OFPA requires all organic food producers and handlers to be certified by an accredited certifying agent, and also includes mandatory labeling of food produced using synthetic pesticides and herbicides. In Arizona, the NOP provides state-level guidelines for organic producers and handlers. These guidelines require that all organic food products and ingredients must be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, sewage sludge, bioengineering, or irradiation. Furthermore, organic producers and handlers must be inspected, and any violations must be corrected in order to be certified. The NOP also provides standards for labeling and advertising of organic food products. Organic food can be labeled as such only if the product meets the strict guidelines of the USDA’s organic standards. In addition, the NOP encourages organic growers and handlers to use sustainable farming practices, maintain healthy soil, and conserve water and other natural resources. The NOP also encourages the development of organic foods as a way to promote the health of consumers and the environment.
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