National Organic Program
Information Collection Renewal
Request for Public Comments
Reporting and recordkeeping are essential to the integrity of the organic certification system. Information collected and maintained by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is the basis for evaluating certifier and operation compliance with the Organic Foods Production Act and USDA organic regulations.
On November 21, USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) published in the Federal Register a notice announcing its intent to revise and extend three years the previously approved information collection renewal titled “National Organic Program” beyond its existing March 31, 2024, expiration date.
This notice proposes updates to forms included in the previously approved information collection package. It also requests changes to eliminate the collection of redundant information and to account for paperwork burden estimates related to the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program and public use of the NOP Online Complaint Portal.
NOP is seeking public comment on the proposed revisions, including the burdens, costs, and other effects of the information collection required by the USDA organic regulations. Online comments are encouraged. Information on how to submit comments can be found on Regulations.gov and by clicking the link below. The comment period closes January 22, 2024.
TOPP Mentorship Helps NY Farm Transition Land from Dairy to Organic Tree Crops
Photo: Breadtree Farms is transitioning former dairy acreage to organic chestnut production under the TOPP mentorship program.
Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Regional Lead, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, has seen tremendous success with the mentorship program they established as part of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative’s Transition to Organic Production Program (TOPP). The mentorship program pairs farmers interested in transitioning to organic production with experienced organic producers, providing a unique opportunity for producers to learn hands-on organic production methods and techniques through one-on-one conversation and community building.
Breadtree Farms, one of the first to sign up for the region’s mentoring program, is transitioning former dairy acreage to organic chestnut production. Breadtree and co-owner Russell Wallack are under the mentorship of Brian Caldwell of Hemlock Grove Farm, a certified organic orchard that produces apples and chestnuts in West Danby, N.Y. Caldwell is also a founding member of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York and currently serves on the National Organic Standards Board as a consumer advocate.
Breadtree’s operation is in the Northern Hudson Valley on about 600 acres in the hill country northeast of the New York state capital. Family dairies farm much of the land that is nestled between the Hudson River and Vermont’s Taconic Mountains. In transitioning farmland from a conventional dairy to organic perennial crops, Breadtree has planted thousands of trees while using farming strategies designed to build soil, protect clean water, and increase biodiversity. By integrating grazing animals and tree crops, Breadtree farms plans to restore the land, support a healthy climate, and build food security for future generations.
As part of the TOPP mentorship program, Breadtree Farms will receive continued support and guidance from its mentor throughout the transition to organic certification.
About the Transition to Organic Partnership Program
The USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who are partnering with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. USDA is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.
Northeast Regional Lead Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) partners with organizations experienced in the organic industry to provide mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development for transitioning and existing organic farmers.
For more information on upcoming TOPP events, mentorship opportunities, and farmer resources in your region, visit OrganicTransition.org. Visit USDA's TOPP Success Stories page to read about the exciting work being done in communities throughout the United States.
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