Glossary
Plain-language definitions for the vocabulary of USDA organic certification. Cross-linked to the relevant NOP regulations and related terms.
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- National List of Allowed and Prohibited SubstancesThe USDA-maintained list of synthetic substances allowed in organic production, and the natural substances prohibited. Lives in NOP §205.601 through §205.606.
- National Organic Program (NOP)The federal regulatory program at the USDA that defines what "organic" means in the United States. Lives in 7 CFR Part 205.
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- OSP Change RequestA formal proposal to amend an already-finalized Organic System Plan. Required whenever a certified operation changes practices that affect compliance.
- Organic InspectionThe annual on-site visit by a USDA-accredited certifier that verifies an operation is following its Organic System Plan and the NOP standards.
- Organic LivestockAnimals raised under the National Organic Program standards. Subject to specific origin, feed, healthcare, and living-condition requirements.
- Organic System Plan (OSP)The Organic System Plan is the document a USDA-certified organic operation maintains describing how it meets the National Organic Program standards.
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- Parcel (Organic Certification)A discrete unit of land — a field, plot, or named piece of property — tracked separately for organic certification status, history, and inputs.
- Prohibited SubstanceA substance not allowed in organic production under the National Organic Program. Includes most synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and growth regulators.
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- Scope of CertificationThe set of categories — crops, livestock, handling, and wild crops — an operation is certified to produce or handle. Drives which OSP modules apply.
- Seed and Planting Stock (Organic Sourcing)The NOP rule that organic crops must be grown from organic seed and planting stock — with limited exceptions for documented unavailability.
- Soil Fertility (Organic Standards)The NOP requirement to maintain or improve soil organic matter through crop rotation, cover crops, manure, and compost. Lives in NOP §205.203.
- Split OperationAn operation that produces both organic and non-organic versions of the same product. Requires strict separation procedures under NOP §205.272.
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- USDA-Accredited Certifying AgentA private, foreign, or state entity accredited by the USDA to certify operations to the National Organic Program standards.
- USDA Organic SealThe certification mark indicating a product meets the National Organic Program standards. Use is governed by NOP §205.300 through §205.311.