Organic agriculture is based on the principle of sustainability – meeting current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their needs (USDA Guide for Organic Producers). The National Organic Program (NOP) and National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) define organic agriculture as a production systems approach that seeks to understand how all the parts of the system work together. Organic farmers focus on how soil, water, plants, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi, and all other parts of the system interact to promote production systems and wholesome food products.

The Organic Agriculture Movement in the United States began in the early twentieth century. It stemmed largely from sustainable European and Asian practices, which aimed to not only conserve but also regenerate the soil. This strategy, called humus farming, “embodied a commitment to sustainability through soil regeneration” (Kuepper, 2010). The terminology was replaced by “organic farming” in the 1940s to describe the farming system as a whole, not just the soil. As public concern over pesticide use grew in the 1960s, the popularity and visibility of organic agriculture also grew. Up until 1990, when the Organic Foods Production Act was passed, third-party organic certifiers carried out independent assessments to verify compliance but had an inconsistent set of standards. Since 1990, rules and regulations have been set by the federal government to provide a uniform structure within and across states.

Below are some selected milestones associated with the organic agriculture movement:

As you can see, widespread agreement on a set of national standards has been a complex and collaborative process spanning several decades. The development of rules and regulations surrounding organic agriculture has involved many different groups and agencies.

The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501-6522) was enacted by Congress to establish national standards for organically produced products. Responsibility for establishing the program was given to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (USDA). The OFPA established the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to assist with the development of the National Organic Program (NOP).

Select 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 by certifying 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, and 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, and representatives of certification agencies. The board meets twice a year to hear public comments and continually evaluates and improves the standards as new information and materials become available.

National Organic Program (NOP)

The NOP oversees the production standards through 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 specifies 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 and can grant or revoke organic certifications. Accredited Certification Agencies (ACAs) ensure that farms and processing facilities are complying with organic regulations. In addition to determining certification status, these agencies keep farmers updated about changes to regulations. Currently, fifteen states and dozens of other organizations and non-profit associations also provide organic certification services across the country. A list of ACAs 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, and verify that the NOP rules are being followed. They do not grant or revoke certification. Instead, they provide the information to the certification agency to decide. Organic inspectors are not allowed to recommend farming practices or products. This may be in contrast with inspectors for alternative certifications who can give insight to the farmers being inspected.

USDA certified organic vs alternative farmers

While the NOP sets the requirements for farmers to be considered USDA certified organic, there are currently no federal regulations defining 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 the application of 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. These farms are included in this chapter under the term “alternative”, described below.
• Alternative: Farmers and ranchers who are not USDA certified organic (including transitional operations) but follow non-conventional pasture practices (such as free-range or grass-fed) or welfare certification standards that might include the use or non-use of antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).