Insights by Goldie: Organic standards update
by Goldie Caughlan
This article was originally published in July 2004
Fortunately, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture directed the National Organic Program (NOP) management to rescind some directives that threatened organic standards. The directives, noted in my June column, would have allowed antibiotics for dairy cows one year before selling organic milk, non-organic fishmeal to supplement organic livestock feed, and toxic “inerts” in pesticides on organic crops. Another document reversed prior positions on what products could be considered for organic standards.
Because the directives were rescinded and removed from the USDA/NOP Web site, the URL noted in my June column no longer work. Read them at www.organicconsumers.org/sos.cfm by scrolling down the right hand side and clicking on each link. Read more at:
The integrity of the organic standards will come under fire occasionally from those who want loopholes. But actions such as these by the administrators entrusted with managing and regulating organic standards are unacceptable.
It’s still important to write letters to the USDA. Thank Secretary Veneman for defending organic standards. Tell her and NOP Manager Richard Mathews that you expect all USDA officials to consult with and heed the advice of the NOSB as Congress intended.
Ann Veneman
Secretary of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
Richard Mathews
National Organic Program
Manager USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP
4008 South Building
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington D.C. 20250-0020