If you're considering organic certification or even if you're already fully involved with the organic certification process, the NOP Program Handbook can help keep you up to speed on organic policy and regulations.
The National Organic Program (NOP) released the organic Program Handbook in fall 2010. The handbook was prepared by the NOP and designed for individuals or businesses who own, manage, or certify organic operations.
The Program Handbook offers an in-depth, but easy-to-manage look into national organic standards, plus offers instructions that outline best organic program practices. NOP reports that the Program Handbook will be updated and issued every quarter, or as necessary and will include policy memos, or formal communications addressed to the public concerning regulatory requirements.
In Summer 2011, NOP announced that the Q&A section of the NOP website would be null, and that the Program Handbook should now be considered the go-to source if one has questions about the NOP.
Get a copy of the Program Handbook:
- Download pdf copies of chapters, or the whole darn guide, for free at the USDA Organic Program Handbook web page.
- Write for a printed copy by sending a request to: Standards Division, National Organic Program, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2646-S, Ag Stop 0268, Washington, D.C. 20250-0268.
- Call or fax for a copy at: (202) 720-3252 (phone) or (202) 205-7808 (fax).
