Overview
In 2000, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized the regulations relating to the National Organic Program (NOP) at 7 CFR Part 205. These rules provide standards for the production, handling, processing, labeling, and marketing of products labeled with organic claims. While these rules were not written or implemented by TTB, they do apply to alcohol beverages. For this reason, TTB works closely with USDA to ensure that the alcohol beverage industry has current and accurate information regarding organic claims on labels.
We are currently working with USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service to update information on organic labeling, such as guidance for organic labeling applicants and required organic labeling documents. In the interim, please visit the Agricultural Marketing Service website for more information.
General Resources
Sample Organic Labels
TTB and USDA recently finalized sample labels that comply with the NOP.
Your Organic Contacts in the Federal Government
The NOP is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service, a division of USDA. The NOP regulations, found at 7 CFR Part 205, govern the production, processing, handling, labeling and marketing of organic products.
For questions related specifically to the NOP regulations, please contact:
Agricultural Marketing Service
United States Department of Agriculture
(202) 720-3252
www.ams.usda.gov
History
Read ATF Notice 954 regarding the intention of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to amend the alcohol labeling and marketing rules to cross-reference USDA's NOP rules.