Responding to the increase in organic acres, the Iowa Legislature this past spring passed a bill providing funding for an organic certification program. Currently, six private certification operations handle that program. Beneficial insects such as ladybug beetles and lacewings may also be inadvertently harmed by Bt when they feed on insects that have fed on Bt plants, according to several studies. In some cases, mortality rates for these insect predators were about double those seen in predators raised on Bt-free diets. The new report updates all previous reports, and includes major changes in fertility, economics, and livestock research.
Detailed tables accompany each chapter.
The publication of the report and the 1998 research work is made possible by the financial support of Mrs. Jean Wallace Douglas through the Wallace Institute. The National Organic Standards Board will meet in Washington, D.C., October 27-29, with October 27 reserved for public comment. According to the Board, these papers would give the public an idea of the USDA's direction and encourage public feedback. Top of Page Upcoming Events For additional listings, see the Sustainable Agriculture Network's Calendar of Events . Best viewed in Netscape 3.0 or later.