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AnnouncementMarch 28, 2016


The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce the Federal Register notice regarding agency information collection activities is available online. 
AMS Intends to Request Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection
Today, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a Federal Register notice announcing its intent to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of the National Organic Program's (NOP) currently approved information collection. The notice also invites interested parties to submit comments by May 27, 2016.
NOP's current OMB approval for information collection is due to expire December 31, 2016. 
 
As part of its mission to maintain the integrity of the organic certification system, the NOP uses two key operating functions: reporting and recordkeeping. The information collected through reporting and recordkeeping serves as a basis for evaluating compliance with the USDA organic regulations, for administering the National Organic Program, for management decisions and planning, and for establishing the cost of the program. 

In 2016, the program's estimated overall burden is approximately 4.83 million hours, 23% greater than the estimate for 2013. This estimate is largely due to a 24% increase in the number of certified operations since that time.

Interested persons may comment on this notice using the following procedures:  
  • Access the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Search for NOP-16-0010, and follow the instructions for submitting comments.
  • Mail: Stacy Jones King, Standards Division, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2642-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268.
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.
About the USDA Organic Insider

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