They replace a hodgepodge of state rules and varying private certification standards. And that system will not be friendly to organic producers who will not compromise in their drive for excellence. It will take away the right of farmers to differentiate their products in the marketplace. Certification of organic food will be done by private agencies hired by the Agriculture Department. That, too, has created controversy.
Private certification is fundamental to the growth of the organic label.
It's hard to imagine the government being on the cutting edge. Keith Jones, who runs the Agriculture Department's organic program, said an advisory board established in 1992 to come up with the standards can make recommendations on changes as the need arises. We want to create a process that is orderly. What is prohibited is a separate seal that certifies the product meets a definition of organic other than the USDA one.