Starting on October 21, 2002, the term ORGANIC means the same standards nationwide
Good news for all consumers! As of October 21, products labeled as organic in the United States will mean they truly have been created and processed following strict standards.
NEW NATIONAL STANDARDS
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now gearing up to fully implement national organic standards by its October deadline. This is an important milestone for American consumers because these standards will bring you a truth-in-labeling claim. When a product is labeled organic, this claim will guarantee that it has been grown, handled, and processed according to strict production standards that reduce and eliminate the use of toxic, persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and that prohibit the use of genetic engineering, irradiation, sewage sludge, growth hormones, and antibiotics.
These standards are based on strict organic principles and practices that prevent environmental degradation and pollution. They also help build soil health and protect natural resources. Consumers let the USDA know they considered these important issues by submitting a record number of comments during the drafting of these standards. In fact, more than 275,000 Americans told the USDA they cared about the integrity of organic products.
WHAT NEW LABELS MEAN
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Consumers let the USDA know they considered these important issues by submitting a record number of comments during the drafting of these standards. In fact, more than 275,000 Americans told the USDA they cared about the integrity of organic products. |
A major accomplishment of these standards is that they clarify and make labeling consistent. The new labels give the assurance that products were grown, handled, and processed to meet or exceed the same standards, no matter where they are sold throughout the country. They also guarantee that the organic claim is accurate-and has been verified.
Only farms and handling operations that sell less than $5,000 of organic agricultural products annually will be exempt from certification. However, they too must comply with the national standards before they can label their products as organic, or they'll be subject to a fine of up to $10,000.
In addition, only organic products from abroad that meet US standards can be sold here under this label. This will prevent false and mislabeled products from entering the country.
A HEALTHIER PLANET
The adoption of these organic standards by US farmers moves American agricultural production closer to the goals for pesticideuse reduction set by the USDA. National standards also adhere to the conservation, public health, and environmental protection goals set by the US Congress. A study published in the May issue of Food Additives and Contaminants showed that organic produce contains significantly fewer pesticide residues than does conventional produce. Researchers noted that the small residues measured on organic produce were most likely the result of past soil or ground water contamination, drift from adjacent conventional operations, or mislabeling of imported products. The latter will definitely end with the new USDA enforcement.
According to US government studies, agriculture today is the largest non-point polluter of water throughout the country. In fact, conventional agricultural practices have created a Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico the size of New Jersey. In 1996, the US Congress passed the Food Quality Protection Act calling for the elimination of many pesticides previously allowed in agriculture. That's because their toxicity has proven long-term negative effects on the environment and on human health, particularly that of children and the elderly.
Looking at the facts, it's clear that organic agriculture is a positive step for public health and the environment due to strict prohibitions on the use of these pollutants. Because organic agriculture doesn't use synthetic nitrogen-based fertilizers, the level of nitrites in organic crops and food products is demonstrably lower than in conventional crops and products. Since the use of antibiotics and growth hormones is prohibited in organic livestock production, the risks of antibiotic resistance and hormone disruption are dramatically reduced for those consuming organic meat, milk, poultry, and egg products.
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
National organic standards position the organic industry to further the growth of the organic farm community, protecting the environment and future generations. Coming on the heels of the US Risk Management Act that includes organic as a good agricultural practice, these regulations establish organic as a recognized, rather than a fringe, practice in the American agricultural community. National standards put an end to any doubts about the credibility of organic agriculture.
Organic agriculture is a production system that's here to stay. It will contribute tremendously to the growth of family farms, to the US economy, and to a safer environment worldwide. And, with organic standards in place, the organic market is bound to grow. This is good news for consumers, because it will be easier for them to find and select more and more organic products where they shop.
The 12 Most Contaminated Foods
The Environmental Working Group, a not-for profit research organization, has compiled a list of conventionally grown produce found to be the highest in pesticide residue. Whenever possible, buy organic if you want to eat the following fruits and vegetables.
Katherine DiMatteo, executive director of the Organic Trade Association, is the 2007 recipient of the Rachel Carson Environmental Award from the National Nutritional Foods Association.
TO LEARN MORE
Helpful sources about national organic standards include USDA's National Organic Program Web site ( www.ams.usda.gov/nop ), and the Organic Trade Association's Web site ( www.ota.com ). Also, check out OTA's new consumer Web site, The O'Mama Report ( www.theorganicreport.org ).
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