Using Organic Seals

The labeling requirements of the NOP apply to raw, fresh products and processed products that contain organic agricultural ingredients. Agricultural products that are sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be produced and processed in accordance with the NOP standards. 

§ 205.311 USDA Seal.

(a) The USDA seal described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section may be used only for raw or processed agricultural products described in paragraphs (a), (b), (e)(1), and (e)(2) of § 205.301.

(b) The USDA seal must replicate the form and design of the example in figure 1 and must be printed legibly and conspicuously:

(1) On a white background with a brown outer circle and with the term, “USDA,” in green overlaying a white upper semicircle and with the term, “organic,” in white overlaying the green lower half circle; or

(2) On a white or transparent background with black outer circle and black “USDA” on a white or transparent upper half of the circle with a contrasting white or transparent "organic" on the black lower half circle.

(3) The green or black lower half circle may have four light lines running from left to right and disappearing at the point on the right horizon to resemble a cultivated field.

Display of the three compliant versions of the USDA Organic seal.  Click to go to USDA website to download artwork.

§ 205.303 Packaged products labeled "100 percent organic" or "organic."  (see actual regulatory text)

(b) Agricultural products in packages described in § 205.301 (a) and (b) must:

(2) On the information panel, below the information identifying the handler or distributor of the product and preceded by the statement, "Certified organic by Clemson University," or similar phrase, identify the name of the certifying agent that certified the handler of the finished product and may display the business, address, Internet address, or telephone number of the certifying agent in such label.

Display of Clemson University Organic seal, which may be used by operations certified organic by Clemson.

The use of the Clemson University Organic seal is allowed by all operations certified organic through Clemson University. The Clemson University Organic seal should not be displayed more prominently than the USDA seal.