Peer Review Wraps Up 2020
on Another High Note
2020 has been an unusual year, and I am very proud of the way NOP staff and our certifiers continue to rise to unexpected challenges in positive and effective ways. As we approach December 31, 2020, NOP has never been stronger. Every day, we work to earn the trust that farmers and consumers continue to demonstrate in the USDA Organic Seal through their choices on the farm and at the grocery store.
Additional funding over the last five years has allowed us to significantly increase the number of auditors and accreditors we have on staff. And, we’ve added additional experienced materials specialists, agricultural economists, compliance specialists, and livestock specialists who are all passionate about organic agriculture. Growing partnerships with other enforcement agencies continue to amplify our ability to reach everywhere organic grows across the country and around the world.
There have been tough days and we are saddened by the loss of those no longer with us. I wish you peace as we honor the past and hold our loved ones close.
I am very proud of our team, certifiers, partners and the organic community for coming through this past year with strength and resiliency. I remain optimistic about our shared future.
We close by highlighting another very positive Peer Review. This is an important part of our commitment to continuous improvement, with independent external auditors reviewing our internal processes to ensure we continually strengthen our own quality management procedures.
We wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday season.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Tucker
Deputy Administrator
Learn more about the peer review process in the Handbook document, Peer Review of National Organic Program Accreditation.
National List Sunset Dates
NOP recently published an updated version of NOP 5611, documenting the addition of tamarind seed gum to the National List, effective December 7, 2020, with a sunset date of December 7, 2025.
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