Agricultural grading and organic programs

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

AMS administers agricultural marketing programs, including commodity grading and the National Organic Program. Each has its own scope, criteria and claims; a grade and organic certification answer different questions.

Read the source in its own scope

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is represented in this collection through the specific publications listed below. Begin with the product, activity and responsible party identified by the source. A reference to an agency does not establish that every product in an industry follows the same pathway. Scope, definitions, exceptions and the status of an adopted technical document can change the conclusion.

Connect the publication to the product decision

Use the original publication to establish the requirement, then connect it to the actual model, configuration, process or transaction. Keep source dates separate from effective and compliance dates. Where several agencies are relevant, preserve a distinct conclusion for each framework. A test report, registration, approval, certification and voluntary program claim should be assessed for the precise object and conditions they cover.

2 source profiles

Publications and requirements in this collection

Government technical standardUSDA AMS

Shell Eggs: USDA Grades and Voluntary Grading Service

United States Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs (AMS 56); 7 CFR Part 56

USDA shell-egg grades provide a common description of quality and weight under the AMS grading framework. Grade AA, A and B refer to defined quality characteristics and tolerances rather than nutritional superiority or an absence of pathogens. The voluntary official grading service involves USDA supervision and controlled use of the grademark. Grade, size and food-safety obligations should be evaluated separately.

Meat, Poultry & Egg Products Agriculture, Grading & Organic Products

Federal regulationUSDA AMS

USDA Organic: Production, Handling and Certification

7 CFR Part 205

The National Organic Program establishes requirements for products sold, labeled or represented as organic. Part 205 covers production and handling practices, permitted materials, labeling, certification and oversight. Certification applies to a defined operation and scope, with limited exemptions. Strengthening Organic Enforcement expanded supply-chain oversight, including certification and import-certificate requirements. Organic status does not replace food-safety, plant-health or other applicable market requirements.

Agriculture, Grading & Organic Products Food & Beverages