WELCOME TO THE COURSE!
The content of this course is organized in four modules to address farming practices as they relate to various sections of the USDA organic standards. The standards adopted and codified in 2002, provide production and certification requirements for organic producers and certifiers, and reside at 7 CFR Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Save this link for fast and easy access:
Throughout this course we will make reference to the National Organic Program (NOP). Established by Congress, this federal regulatory program develops and enforces uniform national standards for organically-produced agricultural products sold in the United States. Operating as a public-private partnership, the National Organic Program (NOP) accredits third-party organizations to certify that farms and businesses meet the national organic standards. USDA and accredited certifiers also work together to enforce the standards, ensuring a level playing field for producers and protecting consumer confidence in the integrity of the USDA Organic Seal.