Certified Organic

The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products.

The NOP also accredits the certifying agents (foreign and domestic) who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards.

Production and handling standards address organic
crop production, wild crop harvesting, organic
livestock management, and processing and handling
of organic agricultural products. Organic crops
are raised without using most conventional pesticides,
petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based
fertilizers. Animals raised on an organic operation
must be fed organic feed and given access to the
outdoors. They are given no antibiotics or
growth hormones.

The NOP regulations prohibit the use of genetic
engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge in
organic production and handling. As a general rule,
all natural (non-synthetic) substances are allowed in
organic production and all synthetic substances are
prohibited.