National Organic Standards Update

In 1998, we asked our customers to tell the U.S. Department of Agriculture that their definition of organic wasn't acceptable. The USDA had released the first draft of standards for national organic certification, which would have allowed organic produce to include genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge.

But the response from many of you and thousands of other consumers, farmers and scientists around the country (275,000 comments in all) convinced the USDA to think again.

In the second draft, which was released March 7, 2000 genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge are all banned, showing that citizens can make a difference!

Highlights of the final rules include:

* No prohibited substances – like chemical pesticides and fertilizers – could be applied to the land for at least 3 years before the harvest of an organic crop.

* Genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge would be prohibited.

* Pests, weeds, and diseases would be controlled primarily through cultural management practices. Only if those practices were unsuccessful would an organic herbicide, pesticide or fungicide be used.

* Livestock would eat only organically produced feed.

* Organic livestock would not be given hormones or antibiotics, however vaccines would be allowed.

* All livestock would have access to the outdoors.

The national organic standards will create a label: USDA Certified Organic. That label will help consumers know that organic food is grown under strict, standard guidelines throughout the country. Currently states have different standards and only 31 states even have certification programs.

Standards will also help the rapidly growing organic industry. Last year, about 12,200 organic farmers in the U.S. grew about $6 billion worth of produce. And the number of organic farmers is increasing 12 percent per year.

If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail: info@gardeners.com

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