2.2 Organic Stakeholders

Review each stakeholder below to learn more about their role in organic and alternative agriculture.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees the NOP. It certifies farmers who wish to carry the organic label. They:

• Establish a list of allowed and prohibited substances used in organic livestock.
• Accredit the certifiers.
• Require organic processing of carcasses.
• Outline record-keeping standards.
• Enforce reports of violations by producers, handlers, and certifying agencies.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

The NOSB is a 15-member board that makes recommendations to the NOP about materials and practices that may be used in organic production. The NOSB includes:

• farmers
• processors
• retailers
• environmentalists
• scientists
• consumers
• representatives of certification agencies

The board meets twice yearly to hear public comments. The board evaluates and improves the standards as new information becomes available.

National Organic Program (NOP)

The NOP oversees the production standards through a regulation called the National Organic Program (NOP), found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (7 CFR 205). It also maintains the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. This list names approved synthetic substances that may be used in organic production and natural substances that may not be used (7 CFR 205.600 – 606).

Organic certification agencies

The USDA accredits certification agencies to act on its behalf. Accredited Certification Agencies (ACA):

• Ensure that farms and processors comply with organic regulations.
• Update farmers about regulation changes.

Currently, fifteen states and dozens of other organizations and nonprofits also provide organic certification services nationwide. A list can be found at USDA Accredited Certifying Agents.

Organic inspectors

Organic inspectors are trained individuals who:

• Visit farms to audit records
• Inspect fields and facilities
• Verify that the NOP rules are being followed
• Provide the information to the certification agency to decide to grant or revoke certification

Organic inspectors are not allowed to recommend farming practices or products. This contrasts with inspectors for alternative certifications who can advise the farmers being inspected.

USDA-certified organic vs alternative farmers

While the NOP sets the rules for farmers to be considered USDA-certified organic, no federal regulations define alternative farmers. Designations that will be used in this chapter:

• USDA certified organic: A labeling term that indicates an agricultural product has been produced through approved organic methods, defined by USDA as applying a set of cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that support the cycling of on-farm resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.
• Split Operations: Operations that include both organic and conventional production.
• Transitional: Farms that are in the process of USDA organic certification but are not yet certified. This chapter includes these farms under the term “alternative.”