National Organic Program (NOP) certificate
What is Certificate of National Organic Program (NOP) certificate?
The National Organic Program (NOP), managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), sets the standards for the production, handling, and labelling of organic products in the United States. It aims to ensure that organic products meet consistent, transparent standards by accrediting certifying agents who evaluate farms and businesses for compliance. The NOP also governs the use of organic labels, which indicate varying levels of organic content, such as “100% Organic,” “Organic,” and “Made with Organic Ingredients.” To obtain certification, producers must adhere to strict guidelines, including the avoidance of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs, as well as maintaining practices that support soil and water health.
Benefits of a Certificate of National Organic Program (NOP) certificate.
Access to the US Market
NOP certification is mandatory for selling and labelling products as organic in the U.S. Without certification, businesses cannot legally market their products as organic, limiting their ability to tap into the rapidly growing organic market.
Premium Prices
Organic products typically fetch higher prices than their conventional counterparts due to the consumer demand for healthier, sustainably produced goods. NOP certification allows producers to capitalize on this price premium, increasing profitability.
Market Differentiation
Certification sets organic products apart in a crowded marketplace. With growing consumer preference for organic products, NOP certification helps businesses differentiate their offerings, making it easier to attract customers who prioritize organic goods.
Enhanced Brand Reputation
The "USDA Organic" label adds credibility and builds consumer trust. It enhances a brand's reputation by demonstrating a commitment to high-quality, environmentally responsible, and sustainable practices, boosting customer loyalty and market share.
Support for Local Economies
Organic farming often supports local economies by creating jobs and encouraging the growth of local agricultural businesses. Certification helps strengthen local agricultural markets and supports sustainable rural development.
Access to Resources
NOP certification opens up access to various funding opportunities, technical assistance, and educational resources. These resources help producers improve their operations, increase efficiency, and continue to meet organic standards, benefiting the overall growth of their business.
Informed Choice
The NOP certification ensures that consumers can make well-informed choices when purchasing organic products. With the USDA Organic label, consumers know that the products meet strict organic standards set by the USDA, helping them confidently select items that align with their values.
Reduced Pesticide Exposure
Organic products are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This reduces consumers’ exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, making organic products a safer choice for health-conscious buyers.
Access to Resources
NOP certification opens up access to various funding opportunities, technical assistance, and educational resources. These resources help producers improve their operations, increase efficiency, and continue to meet organic standards, benefiting the overall growth of their business.
Who can apply for Certificate ofNational Organic Program (NOP) certificate?
Farmers
Processors
Handlers
Importers
Retailers
Food Manufacturers
Livestock Producers
Greenhouse and Nursery Operators
Aquaculture Producers
Multi-Ingredient Product Producers
Livestock Producers
Greenhouse and Nursery Operators
Documents Required for Certificate of National Organic Program (NOP) certificate.
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of Certificate of National Organic Program (NOP) certificate.
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
GAP Analysis
Certification Body
Selection
Cost Estimates
- Finding the GAP between existing system related to (MCLS) Certificate requirements
- Selecting the appropriate certification Body
- Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
- (MCLS) Certificate Awareness training for the top management and staff
- Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to (MCLS) Certificate requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification Body
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
- Certificates issued under have a validity period as
- Initial Certification: Valid for 1 year from the date of qualification.
- Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
- Support of Yearly documentation for audit
Who can issue the Certificate of National Organic Program (NOP) certificate.
FAQ
The NOP is a program under the USDA that sets standards for organic farming, handling, and labelling in the U.S. It ensures that products labeled as “organic” meet strict production and processing guidelines.
Farmers, processors, handlers, importers, food manufacturers, livestock producers, greenhouse operators, and others involved in organic production can apply for NOP certification.
To become certified, businesses must submit an application to an accredited certifying agent, develop an Organic System Plan (OSP), and undergo an on-site inspection. Upon meeting all organic standards, the certifying agent will issue the certification.
Certification costs vary depending on the size and type of operation. Fees include application, inspection, and annual certification renewal. Financial assistance may be available through USDA programs to offset some costs.
Certification offers access to the organic market, allows for premium pricing, enhances brand reputation, differentiates products, and provides opportunities for international trade.
Organic operations must avoid synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and chemical fertilizers. They must use sustainable farming practices that promote soil health, conserve biodiversity, and reduce environmental impact.
Organic operations must undergo annual inspections to maintain certification. Inspections ensure continued compliance with USDA organic standards.
No. To legally use the term “organic” on products sold in the U.S., businesses must be certified by an accredited certifying agent.
100% Organic: Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients.Organic: At least 95% of ingredients are organic.Made with Organic Ingredients: At least 70% of ingredients are organic.
NOP certification allows U.S. businesses to export products to countries that recognize the USDA Organic standard. Many countries have equivalent certification standards for international trade.