Final answer:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the federal department responsible for administering and regulating the National Organic Program (NOP), which oversees the standards for organic agricultural practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal department responsible for administering and regulating the National Organic Program (NOP) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This program entails comprehensive rules for organic food production, ensuring no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used and that organic meat derives from animals with an organic feed diet.
By maintaining these standards, the USDA supports ecological practices that benefit the environment by preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource cycles.
Products carrying the organic label must comply with the specific guidelines set by the USDA. Since the growth of the organic food market worldwide, several countries, including the United States, have established formal, government-regulated organic certification to maintain consistent and reliable organic standards. Such regulations are critical for consumer trust and environmental protection.