The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) is responsible for setting and enforcing regulations for organic agricultural products that are either produced in the US or imported for sale in this country. Organic farming requires a whole-system approach to ensure that products are grown in a way that best supports a healthy, regenerative ecosystem. Organic handlers and processors are required to take special steps to make sure the organic ingredients are not commingled or contaminated with non-organic materials.

Listen to an interview with Gwendolyn Wyard, Organic Trade Association.

Unlike other label claims, such as “natural” or “regenerative,” “USDA Organic” is the only federally defined and enforced eco-label in the marketplace. It is backed by third-party certification and provides traceability from the farm to the consumer.