Chapter 2

Organic Crop Certification

Organic Labeling Requirements

In October 2002, the USDA began enforcing a set of national standards that food labeled "organic" must meet, whether it is grown in the United States or imported from other countries. The use of the seal is voluntary, so some organic food products may not carry the new label, but all organic products will carry notification of third-party certification.

Categories of Organic Content

All product labels and marketing information that make an organic claim must comply with Subpart D of the NOP Regulations (sections 205.300 Section 205.311). These sections outline product composition requirements, along with labeling requirements for the different composition categories. The type of labeling and market information that can be used and its placement on different panels of consumer packages and in market information is based on the percentage of organic ingredients in the product.

Click on the following topics for more information on organic crop certification.