National Organic Program

• In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, which made the USDA responsible for nationally standardizing organic agriculture. The National Organic Program was then created within the USDA to develop, implement and administer these standards through a certification program so that products marketed as organic are consistent nationwide. Growers must pass the NOP's certification process to use the term "organic" on their labels.
  
  

Regulations

• According to the NOP's regulations, organic plants are "raised without using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers." The regulations further prohibit the use of genetic engineering and ionizing radiation, as well as the use of synthetic substances such as chemical fertilizers.
  
  

Certification

• Before being allowed to use the USDA Organic label, growers must prove they are following the NOP's regulations and be certified. The certification process includes an application that outlines the grower's organic practices, the substances used in plant production, record keeping practices and a description of the grower's practices that prevent organic and nonorganic products from intermingling. The certification process includes on-site inspection from a certifying agent.
  
  

Benefits

• Growers have to pass through a lengthy certification process and follow national standard organic practices before their plants can be labeled organic. Because of this process, you can buy organic plants knowing that they have not been raised using chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Edible plants and fruit and vegetable crops that are labeled organic will produce chemical-free organic produce as long as you continue the organic practices started by the grower.