October 21, 2012 marks the 10-year anniversary of when the USDA organic regulations "went live."

As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize the dedication of those involved in organic agriculture's origins, helping it flourish into a thriving sector of the U.S. food system.

Additionally, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service published a first-ever report on organic production.  

In October 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, setting the foundation for national standards covering the production and handling of "organic" products. 

OFPA also authorizes USDA to establish the National Organic Program (NOP) to administer these standards and the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to advise the NOP.    

The NOP is using the 10th anniversary to highlight the USDA Organic Literacy Initiative, a training and outreach program to help connect organic customers with appropriate USDA resources.      

Video: Reflecting on 20 Years of the NOSB
Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

Milestones: From OFPA to 10 Years of USDA Organic  

USDA Organic Literacy Initiative 

This detailed report analyzes acreage, production, and sales data for a variety of certified organic crop and livestock commodities.

For example, the survey found that while 81 percent of their sales come from products that go to wholesale markets and become available to shoppers through their local supermarkets, almost a third of all certified growers sell their products directly to consumers.  

To gather this data, USDA contacted all certified organic operations in the U.S.

2011 Certified Organic Production Survey

Organic Survey on USDA Blog  

The 2012 Census of Agriculture, which will arrive in producers' mailboxes in just a few short months, will include some questions about organic production.

NOP encourages all certified operations to participate in the 2012 Ag Census, an important vehicle for shaping the future of U.S. agriculture. 

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.