Organic agriculture USA
USDA National Organic Program
USDA NOP
Current Agreement
Canada and the United States have an equivalence agreement. Here is what is covered under this agreement:
Within the scope of the agreement
- Live or unprocessed agricultural products
- Vegetative propagation material (and seeds)
- Processed agricultural products
- Animal feed
- Essential oil of balsam fir
- Aquatic plant products
Outside the scope of the agreement
- Products from animals that have received antibiotics
- Non-edible products (non-COR)
Context
NOP certification is possible in Canada only in two very specific cases:
- NOP certification is possible for products that are not covered by the Canadian Organic Regime, such as non-edible products/with NPN.
- NOP certification is mandatory for any Canadian company that meets the USDA's definition of an importer (the company that enters information for NOPICS) to export to the United States.
What is the purpose of the USDA Organic certification?
Key Guarantees of the USDA Organic Certification:
- Protection of the environment and climate
- Conservation of soil fertility
- Maintenance of biodiversity
- Respect for natural cycles and animal welfare
- No use of synthetic chemicals
- No use of GMOs
- Transparent labeling for consumers