USDA-Organic / USDA-NOP
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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic certification, also known as USDA-NOP (National Organic Program), is a regulatory program that ensures the integrity and consistency of organic agricultural products in the United States. Established in 2002, the NOP is responsible for developing national standards for organically produced agricultural products.
Key features of USDA Organic certification
Organic standards
The USDA-NOP establishes strict standards that define what can be labelled as "organic." These standards cover various aspects of organic production, including soil quality, animal welfare, pest and weed control, and the use of additives.
Certification process
Farmers, ranchers, and food processors who want to label their products as organic must go through a certification process. This involves submitting an application to a USDA-accredited certifying agent, who verifies that the operation complies with the USDA Organic standards.
Inspections
Labelling
Prohibited substances
The use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and sewage sludge is prohibited in organic agriculture. Organic farmers rely on natural and sustainable practices to manage pests and enhance soil fertility.
Livestock standards
Organic livestock must have access to the outdoors, be provided with organic feed, and not be treated with antibiotics or growth hormones.
Traceability
USDA-Organic / USDA-NOP compliance
USDA Organic certification is designed to provide consumers with confidence that products labelled as organic meet a consistent set of standards. Nedstar supplies products that are certified as USDA-Organic and have been produced according to the standards of the USDA-NOP (US Dept. of Agriculture National Organic Program).