     Organic Library > USDA Organic Standards USDA Organic Standards 
In 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched its National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP standards govern certification of farming and production practices and provide a uniform definition of organic foods with standardized product labeling guidelines. Prior to the establishment of the NOP, there was no consistent definition of the term "organic," only a network of private and public organic certification agencies with varying standards. The National Organic Program (NOP) assures the integrity of the organic label for consumers and producers of organic food. |