The effective date, first thought to be February 20, has been delayed for an additional 60 days due to an administrative error. Certifying agents may begin applying for accreditation at any time and net an additional 60 days to prepare. There is no charge to read the report from OTA's web site. OTA's Export Directory Released at BioFach OTA unveiled the Organic Trade Association's 2001 Export Directory during the BioFach 2001 trade show, distributing over 500 copies. Supported by MAP funding, the directory contains over 260 listings representing a wide range of U.S. businesses in the organic industry that are ready, willing, and able to export their products.
Copies are available to foreign buyers of organic products.
The report focuses on the countries that show the most promise for U.S. organic produce and those countries that are competing suppliers. Very few U.S. companies have been able to gain JAS certification, and trade may be curtailed if an agreement is not reached between the U.S. and Japan. We'll keep you posted. Grapes, olives, and citrus are the main organic crops. Salad vegetables are also raised in small suburban fields.