What is the National Organic Program (NOP)?

The National Organic Program (NOP) is a federal program that was created to set a national standard for organic agricultural products in the United States. The program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is designed to protect organic producers and consumers from fraudulent labeling and production practices. The program’s main focus is to verify that agricultural products labeled as “organic” meet a set of established standards and regulations. These standards include restrictions on the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, and genetic engineering, as well as requirements for soil health, animal welfare, and biodiversity. The program also sets regulations on how organic products should be packaged, labeled, and advertised so that consumers can trust what they are buying. In North Carolina, organic farmers must apply and receive certification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in order to be recognized as an organic producer. The USDA reviews the applicant’s farm and production practices to ensure they meet the standards set by the National Organic Program. Once certified, organic farmers must comply with the regulations and standards set by the program to maintain their organic certification. The National Organic Program is an important tool for ensuring the integrity of organic agricultural products in the United States. It gives farmers and consumers a way to have confidence in organic products, ensures that producers are following the standards, and helps to protect the environment.

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What is the National Organic Program (NOP)?

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