http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/rule.htm
Andy
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 15 Dec 1997 12:18:00 -0500 (EST)
From: Wayne Olson <wolson@nal.usda.gov>
Subject: National Organic Program Proposed Rule (fwd)
Proposal will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow (Dec. 16)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/1997/12/0442
> GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM PROPOSED RULE
>
> Release No. 0441.97
>
> Johna Pierce (202) 720-4623
> johna.pierce@usda.gov
> Demaris Kogut (202) 720-8998
> Demaris_W_Kogut@usda.gov
>
> GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM PROPOSED RULE
>
> WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
> announced publication of proposed regulations that would govern USDA's
> National Organic Program.
>
> "The National Organic Program will strengthen one of the fastest
> growing segments of the agriculture and food economy. Although around for
> nearly 40 years, just since 1986, the market for organic' food has
> exploded, growing over 40-fold so that by 1996, sales totaled $3.5 billion,"
> Glickman noted.
>
> "In spite of this growth and the enormous potential this market
> promises, America's farmers, especially our small farmers, still have to
> navigate a confusing, sometimes conflicting, patchwork of some 40 state and
> private certification programs. These new rules, by setting a uniform
> national standard and leveling the playing field, will open the door to this
> tremendously exciting new market and new economic opportunities for our
> farmers," Glickman said.
>
> "Just as important, the rules are going to clear up the confusion that
> sometimes exists in the minds of consumers, processors, and merchandisers
> about what is and what is not organic.' The proposed rule requires that
> imports meet equivalent standards, so if foreign producers want to sell
> their organic' products in the United States, they will have to meet the
> same criteria as domestic farmers," Glickman added.
>
> The proposed standards define "organic" as agricultural products
> produced through a natural versus synthetic process. They also address the
> methods, practice, and substances used in producing and handling crops and
> livestock and their processed products, including:
>
> . producing and handling organic agricultural products;
> . labeling of organic products;
> . certification of organic operations;
> . accreditation of state and private certifying agents;
> . compliance testing;
> . equivalency of foreign organic certification programs;
> . approval of state organic programs; and
> . user fees.
>
> The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 provides authority for this
> proposed rule. The proposed rule was developed from recommendations of the
> National Organic Standards Board, an advisory board appointed by Secretary
> Glickman, and in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration and the
> Environmental Protection Agency.
>
> USDA will hold information sessions on the proposed rule around the
> country on dates and at locations that will be announced later.
>
>
> The proposed rule will be published in the Dec. 16 Federal Register.
> Comments must be received by March 16, 1998. Interested persons are invited
> to submit written comments to: Eileen S. Stommes, Deputy Administrator,
> Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 4007-S, Ag Stop 0275, P.O. Box
> 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456. Comments also may be sent by FAX to (202)
> 690-4632 or via the Internet through the National Organic Program homepage
> at: "http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop". A copy of the proposed rule can be
> purchased for $8 from the Federal Register by calling (202) 512-1800.
>
> NOTE: USDA news releases and media advisories are available on the Internet.
> Access the USDA Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.usda.gov
To Unsubscribe: Email majordomo@ces.ncsu.edu with "unsubscribe sanet-mg".
To Subscribe to Digest: Email majordomo@ces.ncsu.edu with the command
"subscribe sanet-mg-digest".