What is the National Organic Program (NOP)?

The National Organic Program (NOP) is a regulatory program within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that establishes national standards for organically produced agricultural products. NOP is managed by the Agricultural Marketing Service and is responsible for the enforcement of the organic food production rules and regulations. The NOP standards are based on the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, which requires that the organic production and handling of agricultural products meet specific standards set by the NOP. In Texas, food producers and handlers must comply with the USDA NOP standards if they wish to label, market, or sell their products as organic. The NOP standards require that all agricultural products labeled as “USDA Organic” must be certified by an accredited certifying agent as having been produced in accordance with all of the NOP standards. Those standards include restrictions on the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and genetic engineering. The NOP has also established a set of labeling requirements for organic products. In order for a product to be labeled as “USDA Organic,” it must meet the NOP standards for production and handling. This means that the product must be certified by an accredited certifying agent, must consist entirely of organic ingredients, and must not have been produced with ionizing radiation or sewage sludge. Moreover, the NOP standards require that organic producers and handlers practice sustainability and utilize proper handling procedures.

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What is the National Organic Program (NOP)?

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