Today Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman proposed a rule creating the official definition and specifying standards for inspection and accreditation. The natural portion of the definition is fairly obvious, but process is an equally critical distinction. When we certify organic, we are certifying not just a product but the farming and handling practices that yield it. They've shown that they will pay a premium for organic food.
National standards are our way of ensuring that consumers get what they pay for.
The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 provides authority for this proposed rule. The rule was developed from recommendations of the National Organic Standards Board, an advisory board appointed by Secretary Glickman, and in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. These standards were requested by the foods industry, Glickman said. After all, this is big business. The National Organic Program announced today is expected to strengthen one of the fastest growing segments of the agriculture and food economy.