Organic Regulations

The USDA National Organic Program’s (NOP) rules and regulations describe the specific standards required for you to use the word “organic” or the USDA organic seal on food, feed, or fiber products. These regulations must be followed in all phases of production, handling, and sales of certified organic products. Find resources here to help you understand and navigate the complex regulations for organic crop and livestock production.  

Organic Standards are subject to revision or amendment. Check the National Organic Program (NOP) website for the most current version of the rules. 

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Staff Experts

Felicia Bell

Felicia Bell

Lee Rinehart

Lee Rinehart

person standing between row crops with urban skyline in backgroundNCAT
mixed produce including carrots, peppers, purple cabbage, cauliflower, and more
Organic vegetables
vegetables in basket
Sheep manure in a cover cropped walnut alley. This farmer stopped grazing sheep in their walnut orchard due to the potential risk (and liability) of contamination by pathogens from undecomposed manure contacting walnuts during harvest.
Linda Coffey checking for signs of illness in goat
Piglets in line at Prater Farm
Hands holding organic strawberries from Canada
Harlequin stink bug egg masses, first instar hatchlings and 4th instar nymphs.