Greetings!
Due to a lapse in appropriations for the National Organic Program (NOP) as of October 1, we have initiated the process of orderly shutdown of nonessential operations. View USDA's Plans for a Lapse in Appropriations We understand the uncertainty that the current circumstances present for Americans that USDA serves every day, as well as our many partners around the country. Effective today, all NOP staff will be furloughed pending reinstatement of funding by Congress. These staff will not be available by phone or email, and cannot carry out work for the Agency, until funding is restored. This means that many services will be delayed or interrupted. For example, staff can't send meeting cancellation notices. Therefore, if a budget isn't in place by Thursday, October 10, at 5:00 p.m. ET, the fall 2013 National Organic Standards Board meeting (October 22 - 24, 2013) will be cancelled. We encourage you to check the news and adjust your travel plans accordingly. We are committed to keeping you as up to date as possible, within the limits of current circumstances. Sincerely, Miles McEvoy Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program |