The national organic program (NOP) certification emerges as a federal bastion within the United States. Administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the NOP certification demands an unwavering commitment and dedication to the organic ethos.
USDA NOP certification requires ongoing dedication and a lasting commitment to organic procedures. As per National Organic Program rules, land used for cultivating organic crops should have been free of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that are not allowed for at least three years before starting production.
The way organic food systems work in the U.S. is closely monitored and regulated. Regulations are specific to how organic fresh produce or other foods must be grown and handled are set in place. For a product to have an organic label, it must undergo USDA certification.
USDA NOP Certification – Requirements On a Basic Level
- Healthy soil: Nutrient-rich soil has a balanced level of pH and helps support the growth of plants in a natural, sustainable way.
- Organic farming: A farming method that relies on natural processes and avoids synthetic chemicals, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), and artificial inputs.
- Soil and water quality:Reflects the conditions of the soil and water, things like nutrient content, pH level, absence of pollutants, and overall health. All of these are important for the growth of crops and maintaining ecosystem health.
- OSP (Organic System Plan): A document. This document outlines the practices and procedures of an organic operation to ensure compliance with organic regulations and standards.
- Synthetic fertilizers:Fertilizers are based on chemicals and are manufactured artificially. This fertilizer contains nutrients in concentrated forms and enhances plant growth, not allowed in organic farming.
- Sewage sludge: After treating sewage, The leftover or residual material may contain pollutants and pathogens. Due to the risk of potential contamination, this isn't allowed in organic farming.
- Buffers: The land strips or vegetation that act as a barrier between organic farms and farms of neighboring conventional ones, helping prevent contamination from GMOs or synthetic chemicals
- Manure: Waste from animals, usually livestock, used as a natural fertilizer in organic farming. Specific guidelines exist for managing and applying manure to ensure the control of pathogens
- Composting: Decomposing organic materials, such as plant residues and manure, under controlled conditions to produce nutrient-rich compost, which can be used as a soil amendment
- Transition period: A period that lasts three years and during which time a field previously used for conventional farming must be managed using organic practices to have its crops certified as organic!
Who can use USDA NOP Certification?
- Commercial producer of organic crops or livestock
- Organic fruit, feed, fiber or textiles
- Seller/Traders of organic goods such as a broker, packer, wholesaler or distributor
- Retailer who deals in organic foods or products
The top professional consultants from Qdot for USDA NOP guide you through the certification process from the first step to the last until USDA NOP Certification is completed.
FAQ's
Costs can vary depending on the size and type of your operation, and the complexity of your product lines. Fees may include application fees, annual certification fees, and inspection costs.
The time frame can vary but generally takes a few months from the initial application to final certification. The duration depends on the completeness of the application and readiness for inspection.
Yes. "100% Organic" products must contain only organically produced ingredients. "Organic" products must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. Products labeled "Made with Organic Ingredients" must contain at least 70% organic ingredients with strict restrictions on the remaining 30%.
Products can be sold, but they cannot be marketed or labeled as organic until certification is officially granted.
Violations can result in corrective actions, suspension, or revocation of the USDA-NOP Certification, depending on the severity of the violation. Businesses are typically given an opportunity to correct minor violations, but serious or repeated violations can lead to harsher penalties.