National Organic Program



Welcome to the National Organic Program 


What is organic?

Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.

What is organic? Consumer Information. Our Mission Ensuring the integrity of USDA organic products in the U.S. and throughout the world. About Us + Reports | USDA Organic Seal Organic Standards Regulations and guidance on certification, production, handling, and labeling of USDA organic products. Learn more. Organic Regulations | Reglamentos Orgánicos Estadounidenses (PDF) | Program Handbook | Manual de Programa Orgánicos (PDF) | Draft Guidance | Rulemaking & Notices National List & Petitioned Substances National Organic Standards Board Members of the organic community appointed to advise USDA on substances and other regulatory topics. Learn more. Recommendations | Meetings | Members Organic Certification & Accreditation Third-party agents around the world certify operations to USDA organic standards. Learn more. List of Certified Operations | List of Certifying Agents Get Certified | Cost Share | USDA Services | Training Info for: Organic Operations | Certifying Agents State Organic Program | International Trade Partners Compliance & Enforcement Protecting integrity of USDA organic products through enforcement actions for non-compliance. Learn more. File a Complaint | Appeal a Certifier or USDA Decision Appeals Archive | Temporary Variances | Fraudulent Certificates News and Outreach Notifying the public on policy changes and other USDA resources to support organic agriculture. Subscribe Organic Integrity Quarterly | Organic 101 on USDA Blog Organic Literacy Initiative: Training + Outreach USDA Organic Insider Archive New! Access Programs + Services across USDA




The information below explains how organic farms and businesses may use the USDA organic seal on their products.

Can I use the USDA organic seal?

• If your product has a valid organic certificate from an NOP accredited certifying agent or one authorized through an international trade partnership with the United States, you may use the USDA organic seal in the forms provided below. Your certifying agent will review and approve all labels prior to use to ensure compliance.

Overview: Organic Labeling | Information for International Trade Partners

USDA Organic Seal Color Image

• If your product has not been certified organic by an authorized certifying agent, you may not use the USDA organic seal. Please review the information below. Please note that other color combinations are not permitted. The black and white seal may be on a white or transparent background.



USDA Organic Seal Black and White

How is the USDA organic seal protected?

• Agricultural products using the USDA organic seal or the word ?organic? must meet all requirements in the USDA organic regulations. Violations may lead to compliance and enforcement actions, including fines up to $11,000 per violation. Additionally, an your organic certificate may be suspended or revoked. 

USDA Organic Seal Regulations

• What about multi-ingredient products that contain less than 95% organic ingredients?
• Products that contain less than 95% organic ingredients may not use the USDA organic seal.

Do I need to be certified?

• Most farms and businesses that grow, handle, or process organic products must be certified. Overall, if you make a product and want to claim that it or its ingredients are organic, your final product probably also needs to be certified.

 
Who Needs to Be Certified? | Overview: Getting Certified & Seed Certification