Organic Agricultural Products: Marketing and Trade Resources Series, Guide 1
About this Series:
This research guide is one of seven in the Organic Agricultural Products: Marketing and Trade Resources
series. Each guide is a subject-oriented compilation that focuses on a separate
type of information or research source. [More...]
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put in place a set of national standards that food labeled "organic" must meet – whether it is grown in the United States or imported from other countries. U.S. regulations were fully implemented on October 21, 2002, and are administered by the National Organic Program (NOP) within USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). On February 4, 2008 AMS announced a reorganization of the NOP office into three branches: Accreditation, Auditing and Training Branch; Standards Development and Review Branch; and Compliance and Enforcement Branch. See: AMS Press Release, http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Newsroom/NOPReorgStatement020408.pdf (accessed 2/15/08)
This section highlights information about/links to selected NOP resources and to other significant Federal and industry entities with roles in regulating organics. Also included: links to texts of pertinent Federal legislation and information about current Congressional committees and caucuses.
1. National Organic Program (NOP).
Contact: Associate Deputy Administrator, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, Room 4008 - South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-0020; 202-720-3252; fax
202-205-7808.
Homepage: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/ (accessed 10/17/07) Description: The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 required
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop and maintain national
standards for organically produced agricultural products to assure consumers
that agricultural products marketed as organic meet consistent, uniform
standards. The OFPA and the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations require
that agricultural products labeled as organic originate from farms or handling
operations certified by a State or private entity that has been accredited by
USDA.
3. Producers,
Handlers, Processors and Retailers.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/ProdHandlers/ProdHandhome.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Includes fact sheets: Labeling and Marketing; Production
and Handling; How Retail Food Establishments Can Comply with National
Organic Program Regulations; Labeling Alcoholic Beverage Containers; Labeling Packaged Products and more.
4. Questions
and Answers.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Q&A.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Questions and answers categorized by subject matter and
updated on a monthly basis.
5. Accredited
Certifying Agents.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/CertifyingAgents/CertAgenthome.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Directories of Domestic Accredited Certifying Agents (including State Departments of Agriculture); and Foreign Accredited
Certifying Agents. Also includes information about Policies, Procedures
and Reference Documents; Appeals Process; Compliance and
Enforcement; a Certifier Accreditation Fact Sheet; and an Application
for Accreditation.
6. National
List Information.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NationalList/ListHome.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 requires the
Secretary of Agriculture to establish a National List of Allowed and Prohibited
Substances which identifies synthetic substances that may be used, and the
nonsynthetic substances that cannot be used, in organic production and handling
operations." [Web site] Includes The National List in the Final Rule (as
amended 11/03/03); Proposed Amendments; Filing a Petition fact
sheet; Petitioned Substances Database (updated October 4, 2007); Database
on National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Recommendations for Materials
Considered for Use in Organic Agricultural Production and Handling; and
links to various Federal Register notices through 2007.
7. Policy
Statements.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NOP/PolicyStatements.htm (accessed 10/17/07) Description: USDA response to NOSB feedback on issue statements:
fishmeal, inerts, antibiotics, and scope of authority; certification of non-NOP
agricultural products; letters; origin of livestock guidance; apiculture,
greenhouse, and mushroom products; access to the outdoors for livestock; and
conflict of interest. "Information previously found under ‘Policy Statements’
that is not listed on this page, can now be accessed in the ‘Questions and
Answers’ section of the NOP web site." [Web site]
8. Today’s
News.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/TodaysNews.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Lists updates to the NOP and NOSB sites within the most
recent four month period. Updates posted more than four months ago can be found
in the NOP Today’s News Archive.
9. Cost
Share Program.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/StatePrograms/CostShare.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Funds are available under this program to help defray the
cost of organic certification by organic crop and livestock producers in 15
states.
11. Organic
Exemption: Exemption of Organic Handlers from Assessments for Market Promotion
Activities Under Marketing Order Programs.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/mocommodities/marketingorderorganicexemption.htm (accessed 10/17/07) Description: The 2002 Farm Bill directed USDA to issue regulations
exempting any person who produces and markets solely 100 percent organic
products from paying assessments under a commodity
promotion law. Effective date: February 14, 2005. Includes a downloadable Application
for Exemption and AMS contact information.
12. Court
Finds in Favor of USDA in Organic Case.
June 9, 2005. 4p.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Newsroom/HarveyDecisionStatement&QAs.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "On November 2, 2006, the United States District Court,
District of Maine, granted USDA’s ‘motion for relief from judgment’ in response
to a second lawsuit brought against the Department by Arthur Harvey." Site
includes "Questions and Answers" and link to full text of entire decision.
13. Memorandum
to All USDA Accredited Certifying Agents: Certification of Agricultural
Products That Meet NOP Standards.
August 23, 2005.
Full text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NOP/PolicyStatements/ NOPPolicyMemo08_23_05.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "There are agricultural products, including personal care
products, that, by virtue of their organic agricultural product content, may
meet the NOP standards and be labeled as ‘100 percent organic,’ ‘organic’ or
‘made with organic’ pursuant to the NOP regulations. Businesses that
manufacture and distribute such products may be certified under the NOP, and
such products may be labeled as ‘100 percent organic,’ ‘organic" or ‘made with
organic’ so long as they meet NOP requirements. Additionally, products that may
be labeled ‘100 percent organic’ or ‘organic’ may also carry the USDA organic
seal. If additional rulemaking is required for such products to address
additional labeling issues or the use of synthetics in such products, the NOP
will pursue such rulemaking as expeditiously as possible." [Excerpt from Memo]
14. American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) Peer Evaluation Report and NOP Response.
2005.
Full text (2 documents): http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/CertifyingAgents/ ANSIReportInfo.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a
private, non-profit organization (501(c)3) that administers and coordinates the
U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system, and who serves
as the U.S. member of ISO and IEC, was contracted by USDA to conduct a peer
evaluation of the NOP accreditation system." [Excerpt from Executive Summary]
15. National
Organic Program, Sunset Review (Federal Register Notice).
October 16, 2007
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Newsroom/FedRegSunsetReview10-16-07.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "This rule amends the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
(USDA) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List)
regulations to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary of
Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from
November 17, 2005 through October 19, 2006. The amendments addressed in this
final rule pertain to the continued exemption (use) and prohibition of 168
substances in organic production and handling. Consistent with the
recommendations from the NOSB, this final rule renews 165 exemptions and
prohibitions on the National List (along with any restrictive annotations) and
removes 3 exemptions from the National List." [Summary] This rule is effective
October 21, 2007.
16. USDA
Publishes Amendments to List of Substances Used in Organic Handling.
USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), June 22, 2007 (AMS News, 133-07).
Full text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/news/133-07.htm (accessed 10/20/07) Description: USDA "will publish an interim final rule that will amend
USDA’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) to
include 38 minor ingredients recommended by the National Organic Standards Board
(NOSB) during meetings in May 2002 and March 2007. The interim final rule,
which is effective as of June 21, 2007, will also provide a 60-day period for
additional comment on the amendments." [Excerpt]
17. NOP
and NOSB Collaboration on Grower Group Certifications, by Barbara
Robinson.
May, 2007.
Full text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOP/GrowerGroupsLetter.html (accessed 10/24/07) Description: Letter to all USDA certifying agents addressing enforcement
action and future rule-making by NOP related to grower group certification.
18. National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).
Homepage: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nosb/ (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, part of the 1990
Farm Bill, authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a 15-member
National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The board’s main mission is to assist
the Secretary in developing standards for substances to be used in organic
production. The NOSB also advises the Secretary on other aspects of
implementing the national organic program." [Web site] Recommendations made by
the NOSB are not official policy until they are approved and adopted by USDA.
Includes member contact directory, meeting schedule, meeting and conference
call archives, NOSB recommendations, and Aquatic Animals Task Force
information.
19. Cloning
Recommendation, by National Organic Standards Board Livestock
Committee.
USDA, National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), February 20, 2007. 3p.
Full Text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nosb/CommitteeRecommendations/ March_07_Meeting/Livestock/CloningRec.pdf (accessed 10/20/07) Description: "Conclusion: To strengthen and clarify the existing rules,
the NOSB Livestock Committee recommends that the NOP amend the regulations to
add animal cloning technology to the definition of "Excluded Methods" and that
the NOP update other sections of the rule to ensure that animal cloning
technology is excluded, and that products derived from organisms subjected to
such technology be excluded from organic production." [Web site]
21. Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA).
United States Code. 21p.
Full text as posted by Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry: http://agriculture.senate.gov/Legislation/Compilations/AgMisc/OGFP90.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Title XXI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (Public Law 101 624), as Amended through Public Law 109-97, Nov.
10, 2005.
22. National Organic Program.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/organicprogram/ (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Site provides information about and links to NOP overview,
major statutes, regulations, case law, administrative law decisions, reference
resources and center research publications.
23. Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
Homepage: http://www.omri.org/ (accessed
10/17/07) Description: "OMRI provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers,
and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified
organic production, handling, and processing. OMRI reviews applying products
against the National Organic Standards. Acceptable products are OMRI Listed®
and appear on the OMRI Products List. OMRI also provides subscribers guidance
on the acceptability of various material inputs in general under the National
Organic Program." [Web site]
25. Agriculture:
Organic Farming.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/torg.html (accessed 10/30/07) Description: Links to background documents on organic production as well
as "Guidance for Labeling Pesticides Under the National Organic Program." See Pesticide
Registration (PR) Notice 2003-1, Notice to Manufacturers, Formulators,
Producers, and Registrants of Pesticide Products: Labeling of Pesticide
Products under the National Organic Program, http://www.epa.gov/opppmsd1/ PR_Notices/pr2003-1.pdf (accessed 10/30/07).
26. Labeling
of Pesticide Products Under the National Organic Program.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/biopesticides/regtools/organic-pr-notice.htm (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice 2003-1. Notice to
Manufacturers, Formulators, Producers and Registrants of Pesticide Products.
"This notice describes how registrants can obtain Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) approval of label language indicating that all ingredients (active
and inert) in a pesticide product and all uses of that pesticide meet the
criteria defined in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)
National Organic Program (NOP) Rule." [Web site]
27. Alcohol Beverages Labeled with Organic
Claims.
U.S. Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
(TTB).
URL: http://www.ttb.gov/alfd/alfd_organic.shtml (accessed 10/17/07) Description: U.S. Department of Agriculture provide "standards for the
production, handling, processing, labeling and marketing of products labeled
with organic claims. While these rules were not written or implemented by the
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), they do apply to alcohol
beverages. For this reason, TTB has worked closely with the USDA to ensure that
the alcohol beverage industry has been provided with current and accurate
information regarding organic claims on labels. This web site and the resources
catalogued within are designed to provide you with the most up-to-date
information on organic claims on alcohol beverage labels." [Web site]
29. Basic Provisions, Federal Crop Insurance
Reform, Insurance Implementation, Regulations for the 1999 and Subsequent
Reinsurance Years; Group Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations for the 2001 and
Succeeding Crop Years; and the Common Crop Insurance Regulations - Final Rule.
USDA, Risk Management Agency (RMA). Note:Federal Register, June
25, 2003, as posted by USDA RMA.
Full text: http://www.rma.usda.gov/regs/2003/03basicprovisions.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "The Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA)
provides that organic farming practices be recognized as good farming
practices. Prior to this ruling, crop insurance policies may not have covered
production losses when organic insect, disease, and/or weed control measures
were used and such measures were not effective." [Web site]
30. Organic
Farming Practices: 2007 Insurance Fact Sheet.
(Organic Farming Practices/Program Aid Number 1912), December 2006.
Full text: http://www.rma.usda.gov/pubs/2006/organics.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
31. Congressional Caucus on Organic Agriculture. Note: Information posted by Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF).
URL: http://ofrf.org/policy/organic_caucus/organic_caucus.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "The Organic Caucus is a bipartisan association of
congressional members dedicated to enhancing the availability and understanding
of information related to the production and processing of organic agricultural
products. The caucus shall serve the public interest through the promotion of
sound policies that advance organic production and marketing." [Mission statement] Information, meeting agendas and current membership included on the
site.
32. House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee
on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture.
URL: http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/subcomms.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: House of Representatives, U.S. Congress (110th). Dennis A.
Cardoza, (D-CA) Chairman. Jurisdiction: fruits and vegetables; honey and bees;
marketing and promotion orders; plant pesticides, quarantine, adulteration of
seeds, and insect pests; and organic agriculture. Page includes list of current
members.
State Laws and Regulations Pertinent to Marketing Organic
Products
Many states have
legislation, regulations and/or a USDA-accredited organic certification
programs that organic producers, handlers, processors and retailers should be
aware of.
34. State Marketing Profiles.
USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/statesummaries/ (accessed 10/24/07) Description: Information about accredited state organic agriculture
certifiers and programs is included with each state profile.
35. Accredited State Departments of Agriculture.
USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), National Organic Program (NOP),
2006.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/CertifyingAgents/StatesAccredited.html (accessed 11/27/07) Description: Fourteen State Departments of Agriculture have been
accredited as certifying agents.
37. "Summaries of State Organic Laws/States without
Organic Laws,"
In National Organic Directory, pp. 145-161.Community Alliance with
Family Farmers, 2001. Note: This publication is no longer in print.
There are a growing
number of organizations offering eco-labels and/or product certification for
agricultural products. Many are related to organic standards but offer
producers and consumers product-specific or alternative marketing options. This
list is meant to be representative of such programs and not comprehensive in
scope.
38. Greener Choices: Eco-Label Center.
Consumers Union, 2005.
Homepage: http://www.greenerchoices.org/eco-labels/eco-home.cfm (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Learn more about products that are eco-labeled compared to
those that are conventionally farmed or produced and compare labels quickly
with a shorthand report card." [Web site] Includes product and label indexes
categorized as "Organic, Sustainable Agriculture," "Animal Welfare," "Pest
Management," "No Genetic Engineering," "Environmental Persistence," and "Social
Responsibility."
39. American Grassfed Association.
Homepage: http://www.americangrassfed.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "The American Grassfed Association (AGA) family of logos
and design marks were developed by the American Grassfed Association and
trademarked to identify food and agriculture products, which meet the standards
as set forth in the AGA Grassfed Ruminant Standards and certified through a
program approved by the AGA." [Web sote]
40. American Organic Standards.
Organic Trade Association (OTA).
URL: http://www.ota.com/standards/aos/index.html (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Adopted by OTA in October 1999, AOS is a "detailed document
that compiles and codifies industry practices as they currently are understood
and applied. OTA took this action to provide a unified voice to establish
standards that will protect the integrity of organic agriculture. OTA intends
to use these standards to work toward better harmonization of international
standards." [Web site]
41. Cert ID Non GMO Standard.
Cert ID LC.
Contact: Cert ID LC, PO Box 1810, Fairfield IA 52556-0031; 877-384-6193
(toll-free in U.S/Canada) or 641-472-9979; e-mail info-na@cert-id.com
Homepage: http://www.cert-id.com/ (accessed
10/30/07) Description: "CERT ID is a global company active in providing
third-party certification programs to growers, agricultural processors, food
ingredient producers, food and feed manufacturers, animal producers and food
retailers." [Web site] Provides standards for CERT ID® EU Regulatory Compliance
Standard and CERT ID® Non GMO Standard.
42. Certified Humane Raised and Handled.
Humane Farm Animal Care.
Contact: Humane Farm Animal Care, PO Box 727, Herndon VA 20172; 703-435-3883;
e-mail info@certifiedhumane.org
Homepage: http://www.certifiedhumane.com/ (accessed 11/31/07) Description: "Humane Farm Animal Care is a non-profit organization whose
mission is to improve the lives of farm animals by providing viable, credible,
duly monitored standards for human food production and ensuring consumers that
certified products need these standards." [Web site]
43. Certified Naturally Grown.
Certified Naturally Grown.
Contact: Certified Naturally Grown, PO Box 156, Stone Ridge NY 12484;
877-211-0308; e-mail info@naturallygrown.org
Homepage: http://www.naturallygrown.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Certified Naturally Grown is a Grassroots Alternative to
the USDA’s National Organic Program meant primarily for small farmers
distributing through local channels - Farmer’s Markets, roadside stands, local
restaurants, Community Supported Agriculture Programs and small local grocery
stores - the farmer’s that make up your local landscape!" [Press summary and
information]
44. Davis Fresh Pro-Safe
Certification Program.
Davis FreshTech.
Contact: Davis FreshTech, 8 Seascape Village, Aptos CA 95003; 831-688-8900;
e-mail solutions@nsfdavisfresh.org
Homepage: http://www.davisfreshtech.com/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Provides food safety audits and consulting for the
perishable food industry.
45. Demeter Certified Biodynamic®.
Demeter Association, Inc.
Contact: Demeter Association, Inc., PO Box 1390, Philomath OR 97370 USA; 541-929-7148.
Homepage: http://www.demeter-usa.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "For the Certification of Biodynamic Agriculture." See also
Demeter International, http://www.demeter.net (accessed 10/31/07).
46. Fair Trade Certified.
TransFair USA.
Contact: TransFair USA, 1500 Broadway, Suite 400, Oakland CA 94612;
510-663-5260; e-mail info@transfairusa.org
Homepage: http://www.transfairusa.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "TransFair USA’s mission is to build a more equitable and
sustainable model of international trade that benefits producers, consumers,
industry and the earth. We achieve our mission by certifying and promoting Fair
Trade products." [Web site]
47. Farmer’s Pledge.
Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York
(NOFA-NY).
Homepage: http://nofany.org/farmerspledge.htm (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "To further enable consumers to identify the farms they
want to support with their food dollars, NOFA-NY has established a Farmer’s
Pledge, separate and distinct from USDA Certified Organic... This pledge is
based on the integrity of the farmer/gardener." [Web site]
48. Food Alliance Certified.
The Food Alliance (TFA).
Homepage: http://www.foodalliance.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Food Alliance certified farmers meet strict standards in
the areas of pesticide reduction, soil and water conservation, wildlife habitat
conservation and safe and fair working conditions." [Web site] Programs: Farm
and Ranch Certification Program, and Handlers Certification Program
49. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard, 2006.
Homepage: http://www.global-standard.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "The aim of the standard is to define requirements to
ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials,
through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling
in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer." Developed in
cooperation with Organic Trade Association (OTA) and other organizations in the
U.S. and Europe.
50. International Organization for
Standardization (ISO).
Homepage: http://www.iso.ch/iso/en/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "ISO has developed over 16500 International Standards on a
variety of subjects and 1250 new ISO standards are published every year." In
addition to standards for basic business practices, ISO current standards
include those for: food management systems; traceability in the feed and food
chain; foodstuffs - methods of analysis for the detection of genetically
modified organisms and derived products; guidelines on the application of ISO
9001:2000 for the food and drink industry; and many related to environmental
qualities. See also Audit, Review and Compliance Branch, Auditing Services,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in this
listing.
53. IPM Product and Service Recognition Programs
and Information.
IPM Institute of North America, Inc.
URL: http://www.ipminstitute.org/links.htm (accessed 11/27/07) Description: Descriptions and links for organizations providing
eco-labeling options and related programs related to IPM (Integrated Pest
Management) practices. See also the Institute’s Bibliography of IPM
Certification, Labeling and Marketing at http://www.ipminstitute.org/ipm_bibliography.htm (accessed 11/27/07)
54. NSF International.
NSF International.
Contact: NSF International, 789 North Dixboro Road, P.O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor
MI 48113-0140; 800-NSF-MARK (toll free in US); e-mail info@nsf.org
Homepage: http://www.nsf.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "NSF works with both regulators and companies to find risk
management solutions that all parties can live with." [Web site] Various
certification programs are available including one for Organic Food
administered by Quality Assurance International (QAI). Others food-related
programs deal with Bottled Water and Packaged Ice, Dietary Supplements, Food
Equipment, Food Safety Services, Functional Food and Beverages, GMO Testing
Program, HACCP, and Meat and Poultry Processing Equipment.
55. Scientific Certification Systems (SCS).
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS).
Contact: SCS, Main Office, 2200 Powell Street, Suite 725, Emeryville CA 94608; 510-452-8000.
Homepage: http://www.scscertified.com/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: In addition to Organic certification, SCS programs include:
Clean Food Certification; Antioxidant Rich™ Certification; Certification of
Socially Responsible Practices; Pesticide Residue Free Certification;
Specialized Pesticide Residue Testing Services; GAP/GMP Food Safety Audits;
CertiClean® HACCP-based Food Safety Management Certification; EurepGAP, BRC,
and Tesco Food Safety Certification; Fair Labor Practices and Community
Benefits; Material and Recycled Content; and Biodegradability. Information
about their Draft National Standard for Sustainable Agriculture (SCS-001) is at http://www.scscertified.com/foodag/sustainable/ key_principles.html (assessed 10/31/07).
Selected Background Documents about U.S. Standards
Organic standards have evolved over many years, and
debate continues on many key topics. This reading list is intended to provide a
taste of both historical and current issues pertinent to organic standards and
certification. Representative opinion pieces and research analysis are
included.
57. About Organic.
Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), 2006 (Frequently Asked Questions
about Organic Farming).
Full text: http://ofrf.org/resources/organicfaqs.html (accessed 10/17/07)
58. Agricultural Biotechnology and Organic
Agriculture: National Organic Standards, Labeling and Second-Generation of GM
Products, by Konstantinos Giannakas and Amalia Yiannaka.
American Agricultural Economics Association, 2003. 28p. Note: Selected
Paper, Annual Meeting, July 27-30, 2003, Montreal, Canada.
Summary and full text: http://agecon.lib.umn.edu/cgi-bin/detailview.pl?paperid=9177 (accessed 10/17/07)
60. Appetite for Change: How the Counterculture
Took on the Food Industry, by Warren James Belasco.
2nd updated edition. Cornell University Press, 2007. 327p. [NAL Call Number:
HD9005 .B44 2007].
Information/abstract only: http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/cup_detail.taf?ti_id=1994 (accessed 10/24/07)
61. Building Trust in Organics: A Guide
to Setting Up Organic Certification Programmes, by Gunnar Rundgren.
Rev. edition. International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
(IFOAM), 2007.
Information/abstract only: http://shop.ifoam.org/bookstore/product_info.php? products_id=421 (accessed 10/24/07)
62. Comparative Analysis of the United States National Organic Program (7 CFR 205) and the European Union Organic
Legislation (EEC 2092/91) and Amendments, by Sustainable Strategies
Advisors in Food and Agriculture.
Organic Trade Association (OTA), 2002. 106p. Note: Prepared for the
Organic Trade Association. Summary available at: http://www.ota.com/standards/other/eu_us.html (accessed 10/17/07).
Full text: http://www.ota.com/pics/documents/NOPEUunifiedreport.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
66. "Federal Court Requires Stricter Organic Rules
on Synthetics, Non-Organic Ingredients, and Dairy Feed," In Analysis of
the Decision on January 26, 2005, by U.S. Court of Appeals for First Circuit,
Boston Massachusetts, in Case of Arthur Harvey V. Ann Veneman, Secretary of
Agriculture, No. 04-1379.
Organic Trade Association (OTA), 2005.
Full text as reprinted by Organic Consumers Association: http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/harvey012805.cfm (accessed 8/8/05)
67. Federal Regulation of Organic Food: A
Research Guide for Legal Practitioners and Food Industry Professionals,
by Stephanie Jillian.
National Agricultural Law Center, 2006. Note: "An Agricultural Law
Research Publication."
Full text: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/research/#organicregulation (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "This guide explores methods and resources for researching
the federal regulation of organic food following the passage of the Organic
Foods Production Act of 1990. This guide focuses on the current state of
federal law and not on the pre-1990 history of organic food regulation, or on
state regulation. There are countless resources available, including government
documents, online electronic files, books, trade journals, government and
non-government sponsored websites, agricultural search engines, and commercial
databases. This guide examines these and other resources, providing the reader
with a clear roadmap for approaching research on this topic."
69. "How the Media Missed the Organic Story,"
by Samuel Fromartz.
Samuel Fromartz, 2007.
Full text as posted by Organic Trade Association (OTA): http://www.ota.com/news/HowMediaMissed.html (accessed 10/17/07)
71. "Implications of Organic Certification for
Market Structure and Trade," by Luanne Lohr. American Journal of Agricultural Economics 80, no. 5 (1998): pp.
1125-1133.
Full text as posted by AllBusiness.com, The Gale Group, Inc. and American
Agricultural Economics Association: http://www.allbusiness.com/north-america/united-states/734440-1.html (accessed 10/17/07)
73. "It’s a Natural," by Leslie Krasny. Wellness Foods/Food Processing, April, 2007: p. 20.
Full text: http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2007/080.html (accessed 11/27/07) Description: "A ‘natural’ claim for foods is still subject to
uncertainty over standards."
75. A Legal Guide to the National Organic
Program, by Harrison M. Pittman.
National Agricultural Law Center, 2004. 64p.
Full text: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/articles/pittman_organicprogram.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "This article examines the legal aspects of NOP. It focuses
on the requirements set forth in the final rule and OFPA. This article is
intended to be helpful for lawyers and non-lawyers alike who are interested or
involved with organic production and handling." [Web site]
77. Market-Led Growth vs. Government-Facilitated
Growth: Development of the U.S. and EU Organic Agricultural Sectors, by
Carolyn Dimitri and Lydia Oberholtzer.
USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS), 2005. 26p. (Outlook Report, WRS0505).
Full text: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/WRS0505/ (accessed 10/20/07) Description: Organic farmland and sales are rapidly growing worldwide,
and the two largest markets are in the European Union (EU) and the United States. The two regions have adopted different policy approaches to organic
agriculture. Many EU countries have "green payments" available for
transitioning and continuing organic farmers, as well as a variety of other
supply and demand policies aimed at promoting growth of the organic sector. The
U.S. Government, in contrast, has largely taken a free-market approach to the
organic sector, and policy is aimed at facilitating market development. This
report compares EU and U.S. organic agriculture policy and examines the organic
sectors in the two regions.
78. "National Organic Program Background," by
Sean L. Swezey.
In Organic Farming Compliance Handbook: A Resource Guide for Western Region
Agricultural Professionals, by Brian Baker, Sean L. Swezey, David
Granatstein, Steve Guldan and David Chaney. University of California,
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP), 2005.
Full text: http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/organic/complianceguide/national1.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
80. "The National Organic Program (NOP): What
Agricultural Professionals Need to Know."
In Organic Farming Compliance Handbook: A Resource Guide for Western Region
Agricultural Professionals, by Brian Baker, Sean L. Swezey, David
Granatstein, Steve Guldan and David Chaney.
University of California, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Program (SAREP), 2005.
Full text: http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/organic/complianceguide/national2.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
81. National Organic Rules Backgrounder:
Implementing the Organic Foods Production Act.
Organic Trade Association (OTA), no date.
Full text: http://www.ota.com/standards/nop/norb.html (accessed 10/17/07)
83. "NOP Collaborate with NOSB on Organic Grower
Group Certification," Organic Standard 73 (May, 2007): p. 1.
Full text: http://www.organicstandard.com/TOS-73-page1.pdf (accessed 10/24/07)
87. Organic Foods and the USDA National Organic
Program, by Jean M. Rawson.
Congressional Research Service, 2007.
Full text as posted by National Agricultural Law Center: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RL31595.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Report produced by the Congressional Research Service, a
branch of the Library of Congress providing nonpartisan research reports to
members of the House and Senate.
89. "Organic Grapes, Organic Wine: The Harvest is Bountiful, but the Labeling Controversy is Still Fermenting," by Paul Gleason. E/The Environmental Magazine 17, no. 6 (2006).
Full text: http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3423 (accessed 10/20/07)
90. Organic, Inc.: Natural Foods and How They
Grew, by Samuel Fromartz.
Harcourt, 2006. 320p.
Information/abstract only: http://www.fromartz.com/main.php?sn=sn1&pc=oi2 (accessed 10/24/07)
91. "Organic Industry Roots Run Deep," by Ken
Mergentime. Natural Foods Merchandiser’s Organic Times (1994).
94. Organic Producers and Marketers Exempted
from Commodity Promotion Assessments.
USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), January 13, 2005 (AMS News,
276-04).
Full text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/news/276-04.htm (accessed 10/17/07)
95. "Organic Standards and Certification," by
Sasha Courville.
In Organic Agriculture: A Global Perspective, by Paul Kristiansen, Acram
Taji and John Reganold, pp. 201-219. Cornell University Press; CSIRO
Publishing; CABI Publishing, 2006. 480p.
Information/abstract only: http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/cup_detail.taf ?ti_id=4640 (accessed 11/27/07) Description: This chapter highlights the history of the development of
organic standards and certification; organic standards and standards setting
processes; conformity assessment processes (international verification
processes); and key challenges for the future of organic regulation. A list of
references is included.
96. "Organic Standards: By Whom and for Whom?"
by W. Lockeretz and V. Lund.
In Socio-Economic Aspects of Animal Health and Food Safety in Organic
Farming Systems. Proceedings of the 1st SAFO Workshop, Florence, Italy, 5-7
September 2003, pp. 201-210., 2003.
Full text (go to p. 201): http://www.safonetwork.org/publications/ws1/wp1pub/ ws1_pro.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
97. Organic Trade Association Adopts Organic
Fiber Processing Standards.
Organic Trade Association, February 23, 2004 (OTA Press Release).
Full text: http://www.ota.com/news/press/130.html (accessed 10/17/07)
98. "Organic ‘Concentrated Animal Feeding
Operations’ – a Thing of the Past?" by Samuel Fromartz. Organic Standard 77 (September, 2007): p. 1.
Full text: http://www.organicstandard.com/TOS-77-page1.pdf (accessed 10/24/07)
100. Personal Care Task Force Fact Sheet.
Organic Trade Association (OTA), Quality Assurance Committee, 2004.
Full text: http://www.ota.com/PersonalCareFact.html (accessed 10/17/07)
101. Regulating Organic: Impacts of the National
Organic Standards on Consumer Awareness and Organic Consumption Patterns,
by Ron Strochlic.
California Institute for Rural Studies, 2005. Note: Funded by the USDA
Agriculture Marketing Service, USDA-AMS Agreement 12-25-A-4264.
Full-text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/MSB/PDFpubList/Regulating_Organic.pdf (accessed 10/29/07)
105. Sociological Perspectives of Organic
Agriculture: From Pioneer to Policy, by Georgina Holt and Matthew Reed.
CABI Publishing, 2006. 309p. [NAL Call Number: HD9000.5 .S657 2006].
Information/abstract only: http://www.cabi.org/bk_bookdisplay.asp?SubjectArea= &Subject=&PID=1914 (accessed 10/24/07)
106. "State-Centered versus Nonstate-Driven Organic
Food Standardization: A Comparison of the U.S. and Sweden," by Magnus
Bostrëm and Mikael Klintman. Agriculture and Human Values23, no. 2 (2006): pp.
163-180.
Information/abstract only: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/klu/ahum/ 2006/00000023/00000002/00006099 (accessed 11/27/07)
107. "Transforming Organic Agriculture into
Industrial Organic Products: Reconsidering National Organic Standards," by
Laura G. DeLind. Human Organization 59, no. 2 (2000): pp. 198-208.
Information/abstract only (go to seventh entry): http://www.sfaa.net/ho/ 2000/summer2000.html (accessed 10/17/07)
110. "USDA Publishes Final Rule to Revise NOP
Regulations/Q&A’s on _Harvey V. Johanns_ (Harvey) Final Regulation." Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) News (2006).
Full text: http://www.ioia.net/news.html#top (accessed 10/17/07)
111. "USDA Relents on Scope of National Organic
Program: ‘Organic Agricultural Product Content’ Qualifies Products for Organic
Labeling." American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) News (August 24, 2005).
Full text: http://www.ahpa.org/Default.aspx?tabid=69&aId=204 (accessed 10/17/07)
112. "Variation
in Organic Standards Prior to the National Organic Program," by T. Robert
Fetter and Julie Caswell. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 17, no. 2 (2002); pp. 55-74.
113.Veneman
Marks Implementation of USDA National Organic Standards.
USDA, October 21, 2002 (News Release, 0453.02).
114. "Who’s
Watching the USDA’s Organic ‘Henhouse’," by Joe Mendelson. Organic Farming Research Foundation Information Bulletin 12 (Winter,
2003): pp. 1, 8.
Full text: http://www.ofrf.org/publications/ib/ib12.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
General Federal Food-related Labeling and Regulatory
Programs and Information: Selected Background Resources – U.S. Food Regulation and Labeling
Any organic handling, labeling or marketing scheme
must address general commodity regulations as well as those specific to
organic.
115. Reading Rooms: National Agricultural Law Center.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law.
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Each reading room contains a comprehensive list of current
electronic resources for an agricultural or food law topic. Links are provided to
major statutes, regulations, case law, Federal Register Digest reports,
Center-published research articles, government publications, Congressional
publications, and numerous other research resources. Also contained in each
room is an overview article that provides a thumbnail sketch of the history and
development of that subject." [Web site]
116. Commercial
Transactions.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/commercial/ (accessed 11/16/07) Description: "Modern agriculture is dominated by complex commercial
transactions that are often highly regulated and involve legal issues unique to
agriculture. These transactions are primarily governed by state law, which is
subject to the vagaries of each state’s legislature and subsequent judicial
interpretation. Agricultural transactions cover many areas of commercial law
including the sale of goods, leasing, contract law, secured transactions, and
commodity futures trading. In order to provide the business community with some
certainty in transactions and to facilitate complex transactions that may cross
state boundaries, most jurisdictions have adopted the Uniform Commercial Code
(UCC), with only minor variations between different states, to govern the
majority of commercial transactions." [Web site]
117. Country
of Origin Labeling (COOL).
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/cool/ (accessed 11/16/07) Description: "Under the Tariff Act of 1930, 19 U.S.C. §§ 1202-1681b, nearly
every item imported into the
United States must indicate to the ultimate purchaser its country of origin.
Many imported agricultural products are either exempted from coverage of the
Act or are deemed to have undergone sufficient additional manufacturing or
processing so that they become products of the United States and therefore do
not require labeling. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Pub.
L. No. 107-171 § 10816, 116 Stat. 134, 533-35, amends the Agricultural
Marketing Act of 1946, 7 U.S.C. §§ 1621-1637b (amendments to be codified at 7
U.S.C. §§ 1638-1638d), to require retail level country of origin labeling
(COOL) for shellfish, peanuts, fruits, vegetables, and various meats. This change will inform consumers at the final
point of sale of a covered commodity’s origins." [Web site]
118. Food
Labeling.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/foodlabeling/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Governmental intervention in food labeling typically aims
at improving human health and safety, supporting domestic agricultural and food
manufacturing industries, and averting international trade disputes. Pursuant
to the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and its amendments, food labeling
addresses nutritional information and is required for most prepared foods, such
as breads, cereals, canned and frozen foods, snacks, desserts, drinks, etc.,
whereas nutrition labeling for raw produce (fruits and vegetables) and fish is
voluntary." [Web site]
119. Marketing
Orders.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/marketing/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Marketing orders and agreements are legal instruments
issued by the USDA Secretary that are designed to stabilize market conditions
for certain agricultural commodities by regulating the handling of those
commodities in interstate or foreign commerce." [Web site]
120. Perishable
Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/perishablecommodities/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act ("PACA"), 7
U.S.C. §§ 499a-499t, was enacted in 1930 to regulate the marketing of
perishable agricultural commodities in interstate and foreign commerce. The
primary purposes of the PACA are to prevent unfair and fraudulent conduct in
the marketing and selling of perishable agricultural commodities and to
facilitate the orderly flow of perishable agricultural commodities in
interstate and foreign commerce. The PACA is administered and regulated by the Agricultural Marketing Service, an agency within the
USDA." [Web site]
121. Production
Contracts.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/productioncontracts/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Agricultural production contracts are agreements between
producers and contractors, typically agricultural commodity processors, that
detail an arrangement for raising agricultural commodities. These contracts
usually identify the production practices to be used, identify the party
responsible for supplying the required resources, and specify the quantity,
quality, and method of payment for the product. Farmers and ranchers utilize
production contracts as a tool to manage the risks inherent in agricultural
production, and agribusinesses employ production contracts to manage risk and
to control expenditures. The legal implications of production contracts are
unique to each jurisdiction because the law of each state governs their
interpretation. In addition, variations in terms and language contained in
individual production contracts make each one distinct." [Web site]
123. Food Law Org.
Law Office of Neal D. Fortin.
Homepage: http://www.foodlaw.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Comprehensive clearinghouse for information on food law,
labeling and safety, and related legal and regulatory resources. Site
maintained by the Law Office of Neal D. Fortin, Director of the Institute for
Food Laws and Regulations (http://www.iflr.msu.edu/ (accessed 10/31/07)) and assistant professor at Michigan State University.
125. United States Food Law Update,
by Michael T. Roberts.
National Agricultural Law Center, 2006 (An Agricultural Law Research Article). Note: Originally published in the Journal of Food Law and Policy 517 (2006).
Full text: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/articles/roberts_usupdate2.pdf (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "This update summarizes significant changes and
developments in food law over the first half of 2000 and provides a starting
point for scholars, practitioners, food scientists, and policymakers to better
understand the shaping of food law in modern society." [Introduction]
127. Food Labeling Compliance Review, by
James L. Summers and Elizabeth J. Campbell.
4th edition. Blackwell Publishing, 2007. 336p. Note: Available in book
or searchable CD-ROM format.
Information/abstract only: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/book.asp ?ref=9780813821818&site=1 (accessed 10/24/07)
128. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 101 -
Food Labeling. Title 21 - Food and Drugs, Chapter I - Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), 1999.
URL: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/21cfr101_04.html (accessed 10/24/07)
129. Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/lqpa.html (accessed 10/24/07) Description: "This law amends the two major pesticide laws: the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA)." FQPA establishes a "strong, health-based safety
standard for pesticide residues in all foods. It uses ‘a reasonable certainty
of no harm’ as the general safety standard." Site includes a summary of the
FQPA and links to related information.
130. Laws Enforced by the FDA and Related
Statutes.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2007 (updated).
URL: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/ (accessed 10/24/07) Description: Links to regulatory text and related information for more
than a dozen federal laws handled, at least in part, by FDA.
132. "Navigating the Health Claim Maze," by David
Joy. Food Processing (Sept. 2007): p. 21.
Full text: http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2007/215.html (accessed 11/27/07) Description: "FDA’s recent guidance focuses only on the process for
evaluating evidence supporting a health claim."
General Federal Food-related Labeling and Regulatory
Programs and Information: Selected U.S. Agencies with Food Regulatory
Functions
This listing is not comprehensive. This listing is not comprehensive.
Thorough research on rules relevant to specific commodity, marketing purpose,
jurisdiction – city, county, state and/or country, and more, is necessary for
any business plan or marketing scheme.
133. USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Homepage: http://www.ams.usda.gov/ (accessed 10/24/07) Description: "The Agricultural Marketing Service includes six commodity
programs- Cotton, Dairy, Fruit and Vegetable, Livestock and Seed, Poultry, and
Tobacco. The programs employ specialists who provide standardization, grading
and market news services for those commodities. They enforce such Federal Laws
as the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and the Federal Seed Act. AMS
commodity programs also oversee marketing agreements and orders, administer
research and promotion programs, and purchase commodities for Federal food
programs." [Web site]
134. Services
and Programs.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/progserv.htm (accessed 10/24/07) Description: Includes links to all commodity programs, as well as "Market
News, ‘Food Purchase Resources,’ ‘Grading and Certification,’ ‘Laboratory
Services,’ ‘Market Facilities,’ ‘Market and Transportation Research,’ ‘Shipper
and Exporter Assistance,’ ‘Importer Information,’ ‘Milk Marketing Order
Reform,’ ‘Quality Standards,’ ‘Fair Trade - (PACA),’ ‘Research and Promotion,’
‘Marketing Orders,’ ‘Pesticide Programs,’ ‘National Organic Program,’ ‘Plant
Variety Protection,’ ‘Food Quality Assurance’ and ‘How to Buy...’
Publications."
135. Transportation
and Marketing.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/MSB/index.htm (accessed 10/29/07) Description: "The following five cluster areas define our work: Farmers
Markets and Direct-to-Consumer Marketing; Marketing Channel Research and
Development; Marketing Information and Education;
Postharvest and Marketing Technology; Wholesale Markets and Facility Design."
Marketing Service publications may be accessed directly at http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/MSB/publications.htm (accessed 10/29/07).
136. Country of Origin Labeling.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/cool/ (accessed 10/24/07) Description: "On May 13, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, more commonly known as the 2002 Farm
Bill. One of its many initiatives requires country of origin labeling for beef,
lamb, pork, fish, perishable agricultural commodities and peanuts. On January
27, 2004, President Bush signed Public Law 108-199 which delays the
implementation of mandatory COOL for all covered commodities except wild and
farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2006. On November 10, 2005,
President Bush signed Public Law 109-97, which delays the implementation for
all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised and shellfish until
September 30, 2008. As described in the legislation, program implementation is
the responsibility of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service." [Web site]
Includes regulatory updates, press releases, guidelines and comments.
137. Fresh
Produce Audit Verification Program.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbgapghp.htm (accessed 10/24/07) Description: "State departments of agriculture, with USDA’s assistance,
are developing an audit-based program that is helping the U.S. produce industry
verify voluntary adherence to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Guide
to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables."
[Web site] Includes information, audit sheets and a list of facilities that
successfully passed verification audit.
138. Livestock
and Seed Program.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/ (accessed 10/24/07) Description: Includes links to Audit, Review, and Compliance Programs,
Commodity Purchase Programs, Livestock and Grain Market News, Meat and Poultry
Equipment Review Program, Meat Grading and Certification Branch and contact
information for key personnel.
139. Grass
Fed Marketing Claims.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/grassclaim.htm (accessed 10/24/07) Description: On Oct. 15, 2007 the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued
"a voluntary standard for grass (forage) fed marketing claims. The standard
will be published as a Notice in the Federal Register and is titled the U.S. Standard for Livestock and Meat Marketing Claim, Grass (Forage) Fed Claim
for Ruminant Livestock and the Meat Products Derived from Such Livestock."
[AMS News Release 178-07]
140. Naturally
Raised Marketing Claims.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/naturalclaim.htm (accessed 10/24/07) Description: "The USDA is considering the development of a voluntary
standard to address production practices associated with the term "naturally
raised" for livestock. Three listening sessions will be held to provide for
public input on a voluntary marketing claim standard specifically for Naturally
Raised Livestock." [AMS News Release 283-06, Nov. 21, 2006] Site includes
listening session transcripts and presentations, and comments received as of
Jan. 2007.
