§ 6514. Accreditation Program

(a) In general

     The Secretary shall establish and implement a program to accredit a governing State official, and any private person, that meets the requirements of this section as a certifying agent for the purpose of certifying a farm or handling operation as a certified organic farm or handling operation.

(b) Requirements

     To be accredited as a certifying agent under this section, a governing State official or private person shall—

     (1) prepare and submit, to the Secretary, an application for such accreditation;

     (2) have sufficient expertise in organic farming and handling techniques as determined by the Secretary; and

     (3) comply with the requirements of this section and section 6515 of this title.

(c) Duration of designation

     An accreditation made under this section shall be for a period of not to exceed 5 years, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, and may be renewed.

(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, § 2115, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3944.)

Section Referred to in Other Sections

     This section is referred to in sections 6515, 6516 of this title.