ACCREDITATION PROGRAM.

SEC. 2115. 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 2116. (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.