Briefly, we propose to add to the standards in three areas:
1) make the USDA standards comply with those of IFOAM (International
federation of organic agricultural movements). In particular, complying
with the agreed upon separation of accreditation and certification
duties
and processes in certifying organic food (i.e. the USDA would not act
as
certifier and accreditor)
2) explicit statements about sustainability in organic farming, first
involving the promotion of social justice issues in organic food
production, particularly in reference to labor. We have suggested
something analogous to a "living wage" proposal for labor. Second, we
want the standards to include more explicit statements about
"processes"
rather than mere input substitution.
3) we believe organic food production should be subsidized to promote
transition to organic production, the maintenance of livelihoods for
small farmers and rural communities, the development of the organic
marketplace for domestic and international consumption and,
principally,
to pay for increased labor and input costs incurred by the living wage
issue and the increased costs of organic production overall.
Questions:
1) Do you believe the above additions to the USDA standards are
politically feasible? Why do you believe this or why do you believe
this
is politically not feasible?
2) Do you believe the above additions are economically feasible? Why do
you believe this or not?
Personal responses are fine, as is responding to the list,
Thanks again for your time,
Rob Sirrine
Environmental Studies Department
Univ. of Calif., Santa Cruz
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