New National Standards for Organic Food
As one of his final acts in office, Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman
announced the final national standards for the production, handling
and processing of organically grown agriculture products. The announcement
was made on December 20, 2000.
Essentially, the new organic standard offers a national definition
for the term "organic." It details the methods, practices
and substances that can be used in producing and handling organic crops
and livestock, as well as processed products. It establishes clear organic
labeling criteria and specifically prohibits the use of genetic engineering
methods, ionizing radiation and sewage sludge for fertilization.
All agricultural products labeled organic must originate from farms
or handling operations certified by a state or private agency accredited
by USDA. Farms and handling operations that sell less than $5,000 worth
per year of organic agricultural products are exempt from certification.
Farmers and handlers have 18 months to comply with the national standards.
Consumers will begin to see new organic labeling on products in their
local grocery stores by this summer, with full implementation by mid-2002.
The final national organic standards rule, which takes into consideration
over 300,000 public comments, was published in the Federal Register
on December 21, 2000. The rules, along with detailed factsheets and
other background information is available on the web at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop
Source: Condensed from USDA News Release, Release
No. 04.25.00
Spring
2001
Finding the Best Site for a Garden Is More Than a
Random Process | Build a Raised Bed |
It Takes a Kernel of Skill to Grow Great Sweet Corn | Pruning
Ornamentals Keeps Your Garden on the Cutting Edge | Lawn
Care Calendar | Hort Shorts | Hort
Tips | Mad Cow Disease | Green
Eggs: The Science of Egg Cookery | Concern for
Egg Safety | New National Standards for Organic Food | Your
Spring Vegetable Garden Plan | Health & Household
Tips | Did You Know?
Index
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