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The National Organic Program (NOP) is a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. After years of discussions among market stakeholders, the final regulations were implemented in 2002.
Any producers and distributors planning to sell organic products in the U.S. market must obtain certification from the NOP, which is issued by the USDA. Organic ingredient suppliers must also be NOP certified. The following exceptions apply:
Small farmers with annual sales of less than $5,000 in organic products may sell directly to consumers without certification.
Retailers
Companies that distribute less than 70% organic ingredients in their products or whose products contain ingredients similar to organic ones do not need to have their processed products certified by NOP.
Main Differences Between NOP and EU Organic Regulations and Other Organic Certification Standards:
1.NOP gives significant priority to self-sufficient organic farms or companies processing organic products:
Operators must describe and establish procedures to ensure organic integrity in their Organic System Plan (OSP). The first step of certification checks whether these procedures comply with NOP standards and whether they are feasible.
2.NOP does not use the terms “transition” or “conversion.”
Land management mechanisms precede organic certification eligibility. The regulations require that land must be operated according to standards, and for the first three years (before the first organic crop is harvested), no prohibited substances can be used. The transition period is not under the supervision of certifying agents.
3.Strict manure handling requirements:
NOP specifies that manure must be composted for at least two weeks. The compost produced during this period should be less effective than the raw manure by a factor of five. Untreated manure can only be used if it has been composted for 4 months before harvest (if in direct contact with edible parts of the plant), or 3 months if there is no risk of contact with the edible parts.
4.Buffer zones between organic and conventional fields:
NOP requires strict separation between organic and conventional fields, even if there is a risk of contact with prohibited substances (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers).
5.Strict regulations for the feeding of organic livestock:
Only organic feed is allowed, and conventional animals cannot be purchased. After veterinary treatment, animals will enter the transition period. However, the regulations on livestock housing and living conditions are not as detailed as those of the EU.
6.Different requirements for multi-ingredient food products:
NOP has a “100% Organic” category, while for products containing less than 70% organic ingredients, the organic content must be listed in the ingredients list.
7.Use of non-synthetic materials:
The NOP lists approved non-synthetic substances unless prohibited. Synthetic substances cannot be used unless explicitly allowed.
8.Marketing and labeling requirements:
100% Organic Must be labeled as "100% Organic" or "Pure Organic."
Organic Ingredients: Products with less than 70% organic ingredients cannot be labeled as “organic” or use the USDA Organic Seal. They may state organic ingredients in the product description.
Livestock Feeding:
Organic livestock must be fed only organic feed and cannot be raised with conventional animals.
Certification Requirements:
Organic products must be produced, processed, and stored using organic methods as defined by the NOP, and products cannot use non-organic additives or ingredients unless listed by the NOP.