Publication

This document discusses legislative and policy issues related to organic agriculture in the US. Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) in 1990 as part of a larger law governing US Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs from 1990 through 1996. The act authorized the creation of a National Organic Program within USDA to establish standards for producers and processors of organic foods, and permit such operations to label their products with a “USDA Organic” seal after being officially certified by USDA-accredited agents. The purpose of the program, which was implemented in October 2002, is to give consumers confidence in the legitimacy of products sold as organic, permit legal action against those who use the term fraudulently, increase the supply and variety of available organic products, and facilitate international trade in organic products.