The National Organic Program (NOP) is the federal regulatory framework in the United States of America governing organic food. It is also the name of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) program responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The core mission of the NOP is to protect the integrity of the USDA organic seal. The seal is used for products adhering to USDA standards that contain at least 95% organic ingredients. The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) required that the USDA develop national standards for organic products, and the final rule establishing the NOP was first published in the Federal Register in 2000 and is codified in the Code of Federal Regulations at . Overview The NOP covers fresh and processed agricultural food products. The National Organic Program grew from fewer than twelve total employees in 2008 to approximately 37 in 2019. As of February 2019, it operates in three divisions in addition to the Office of Deputy Administrator: Standards, Accreditation and International Activities (AIA), and Compliance and Enforcement. The key activities of the National Organic Program are to: Maintain the Organic Integrity Database, a listing of certified organic operations, and help new farmers and business learn how to get certified Develop regulations and guidance on organic standards Manage the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances Accredit certifying agents to certify organic producers and handlers Facilitate the work of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), a Federal Advisory Committee Provide training to certifying agents, USDA staff, and other stakeholders Engage and serve the organic community Investigate alleged violations of the organic standards and bring violators to justice Regulation The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 "requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances which identifies synthetic substances that may be used, and the nonsynthetic substances that cannot be used, in organic production and handling operations." Under this act, the Secretary of Agriculture promulgated regulations establishing the National Organic Program (NOP) in 2000. It restricts the use of the term "organic" to certified organic producers (excepting growers selling under $5,000 a year, who must still comply and submit to a records audit if requested, but do not have to formally apply). Certification is handled by state, non-profit and private agencies that have been approved by the USDA (see section below). NOP regulations cover in