It appears that perhaps the notice I forwarded about the USDA's
lowering of organic standards was a false alarm and I apologize.
The following notice explains tha USDA situation.
S. Jarnagin
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/* Written 1:32 AM Sep 16, 1996 by cgilbert in susag.forum */
In relation to: USDA proposes to lower organic standards
A communication from a staffer of the USDA (Organic
Program) claims "USDA proposes to lower organic standards" was
inaccurate. It said: "No proposal has yet been made by USDA."
There is an effort underway to write a proposal to implement the
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, but it is not yet written.
The communication also said: "Right now there is an effort afoot
to derail it among certain segments who stand to lose by too much
scrutiny of their operations." The USDA has a home page which can
be checked as information becomes available. Also, one can get on
their mailing list and receive current information and a copy of
the proposal when it comes out by writing to:
USDA/AMS/TMD/NOP, Room 2510-South, P.O. Box 96456,
Washington, DC 20090. Phone: 202-720-3252; and fax: 202-205-7808.