Wide-spread drought conditions in certain U.S. regions prompted USDA to offer new flexibilities and assistance to livestock producers. For more information about USDA drought and disaster assistance, visit the site: 

USDA Disaster and Drought Assistance

USDA organic regulations account for the impacts of drought on organic farmers and ranchers as well. Unavoidable conditions can, under certain instances, be cause for granting temporary variance from specific regulatory requirements. Requests for these temporary variances must come to the NOP from accredited certifying agents and/or state organic programs. 

The NOP Program Handbook Instruction 2606 describes how these requests are to be submitted and processed. Supporting documentation that demonstrates the conditions leading to the request is an important part of the temporary variance request process.   

NOP 2606: Instruction for Processing Requests for Temporary Variance (as of July 2011)

The NOP facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.