This Thursday, April 30th, is it -- the deadline for telling the USDA what
they can do with their so-called organic standards! Don't let agribusiness
co-opt the meaning of "organic", so that it becomes just another meaningless
marketing buzzword. Over 110,000 people have written. Pile on -- takes a lot
of people to overcome the money and lobbying/advertising influence of the
Archer Daniel Midlands and Cargills of the world. Even if you have time to
just write one line or two, do it!
Here's a little background info and a sample letter. Please send us a copy by
mail (1419 V St. NW, DC, 20009) or e-mail (goodfood4@aol.com) so that we can
share with others. Also send a copy to your Congressional Rep. and Senators.
Thanks!!
John Friedrich, Community Harvest
Background:
"For decades organic farmers and manufacterers have developed a system of
practices and certification to insure the integrity of organic food. On
December 16, the USDA proposed rules to standardize organic food production
nationally. Unfortunately, these proposed rules if left unchanged, will
completely alter the meaning of "organic" as we know it today. The USDA's
proposed rules open the door for practices like genetic engineering, food
irradiation, the use of toxic sewage sludge, and the irresponsible use of
antibiotics in livestock production -- even though independent and state
organic certifiers forbid these practices."
Sample letter
[you must include the docket number: TMD-94-00-2 on your comments. It needs to
be postmarked or faxed by this Thursday, April 30]
Dear Ms. Sommes:
"I am writing to express complete dissatisfaction with the Proposed Rule for
organic food production. I specifically object to the possible inclusion of
foods that are genetically engineered, irradiated, or grown in toxic sewage
sludge. I also ask you to remove unncecessary loopholes, and tighten up the
livestock section.
Please rewrite the rules to reflect the holistic approach currently existing
in organic production and explicitly follow the recommendations of the
National Organic Standards Board."
address to:
Eileen S. Stommes
Deputy Administrator
USDA -- National Organic Standards
Docket #TMD-94-00-2
USDA, AMS, Room 4007-S
AgStop 0275, P.O. Box 96456
Washington, DC 20090-6456
fax: 202-690-4632
web: www.ams.usda.gov/nop (click on the "Comment" link)
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