August 23, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued instructions on organic certification of industrial hemp production outlining its policy regarding organic certification of hemp crops under the National Organic Program (NOP). This instruction clarifies USDA policy regarding the organic certification of industrial hemp production by certifying agents accredited by the USDA NOP. This instruction applies to all NOP-accredited certifying agents, and replaces the February 2016 version of NOP 2040. This instruction has not yet been updated following passage of the 2018 Farm Bill but an update is expected.