Agricultural Marketing Service October 13, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The National Organic Program (NOP) is announcing the availability of five draft guidance documents intended for use by accredited certifying agents and certified operations. The five draft guidance documents are entitled as follows: Compost and Vermicompost in Organic Crop Production (NOP 5021); Wild Crop Harvesting (NOP 5022); Outdoor Access for Organic Poultry (NOP 5024); Commingling and Contamination Prevention in Organic Production and Handling (NOP 5025); and The Use of Chlorine Materials in Organic Production and Handling (NOP 5026). These draft guidance documents are intended to inform the public of NOP's current thinking on these topics. The NOP is seeking comments on the five draft guidance documents. A notice of availability of final guidance on these topics will be issued upon their final approval. Once finalized, these guidance documents will be available from the NOP through ``The Program Handbook: Guidance and Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs) and Certified Operations''. This Handbook provides those who own, manage, or certify organic operations with guidance and instructions that can assist them in complying with the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. The current edition of the Program Handbook is available online at https:// www.ams.usda.gov/nop or in print upon request.