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Announcement

October 29, 2015

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce a new blog, showcase USDA's newest tools for beginning farmers and ranchers, and

share updates to the NOP Handbook.

New Blog by Administrator Alonzo Highlights USDA Organic Successes
On October 28, 2015, AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo posted a new blog outlining key organic success. The article provides examples of organic successes over the past two years and highlights USDA's continued commitment to growing organic agriculture. Access Blog: USDA's Organic Successes.

USDA's Newest Tool for
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Today, Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden unveiled a new, tailored online resource as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) two-year, $5.6 billion commitment to serve new and beginning new and beginning farm entrepreneurs, women in agriculture, farms in transition, and youth in agriculture. The web tool, designed based on feedback from new and beginning farmers and ranchers around the country, will connect farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started.

Explore the new web tool at www.usda.gov/newfarmers. The site features advice and guidance on everything a new farm business owner needs to know, from writing a business plan, to obtaining a loan to grow their business, to filing taxes as a new small business owner.

Today's release of the online tool is one of USDA's ongoing investments in resources to support new farmers and to encourage youth in agriculture. To learn more about USDA's efforts, visit the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Results Page.

NOP Handbook Updates

The National Organic Program is pleased to announce two updated NOP Handbook documents.

NOP 2005: Accreditation Assessment Checklist provides a detailed checklist outlining tasks that NOP follows when completing accreditation assessments.

NOP 2100: Equivalence Determination Procedures describes the procedure the United States follows to determine if equivalency arrangements will be consistent with the USDA organic regulations.

To see the updated documents:
NOP 2005: Accreditation Assessment Checklist
NOP 2100: Equivalence Determination Procedures.

To see all NOP guidance, instructions and policies:
NOP Handbook.

About the Agricultural Marketing Service
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

About the USDA Organic Insider

The USDA Organic Insider informs the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services.

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