Title 7 — AgricultureRelease 119-73
§6516 Peer review of certifying agents
Title 7 › Chapter CHAPTER 94— - ORGANIC CERTIFICATION › § 6516
Summary
When deciding whether to approve an accreditation application, the Secretary must use a report from a peer review panel. The Secretary may create a panel of at least three people who know organic farming and handling to evaluate the applicant seeking to be a certifying agent. At least two panel members must not be employees of the Department of Agriculture or the State government involved.
Full Legal Text
Title 7, §6516
Agriculture — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)In determining whether to approve an application for accreditation submitted under section 6514 of this title, the Secretary shall consider a report concerning such applicant that shall be prepared by a peer review panel established under subsection (b).
(b)To assist the Secretary in evaluating applications under section 6514 of this title, the Secretary may establish a panel of not less than three persons who have expertise in organic farming and handling methods, to evaluate the State governing official or private person that is seeking accreditation as a certifying agent under such section. Not less than two members of such panel shall be persons who are not employees of the Department of Agriculture or of the applicable State government.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
7 U.S.C. § 6516
Title 7 — Agriculture
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73