Which agency oversees the certification of organic products?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the agency responsible for overseeing the certification of organic products. This responsibility stems from the USDA's implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act, which established national standards for the production and labeling of organic agricultural products. Under this act, the USDA regulates the National Organic Program (NOP), which sets the guidelines and protocols that farmers and producers must follow to have their products labeled as organic.

Farmers and producers seeking organic certification must comply with these standards, which include practices related to soil health, pest management, and the use of organic seeds. The certification process is vital as it ensures that consumers can trust the organic label, knowing that products meet rigorous and consistent standards.

Other agencies mentioned, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), have their respective roles in regulatory oversight in various areas of environmental protection, food safety, and state-level agricultural practices, but they do not specifically oversee the certification process for organic products like the USDA does.