The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 was an outstanding act of Congress and a statement of what is beneficial for our nation’s food security and environmental future.
The hopes of small- to moderate-size farmers, small businesses and consumers to see a market-driven label for food and fiber–one that meets very high, consistent and specific criteria of farming, processing and handling–is dependent on this 1990 act. It gives the consumer the choice to buy food free of synthetic substances.
A USDA-proposed organic rule, however, would take the Organic Foods Production Act and destroy its meaning to organic farmers and customers alike. The USDA has proposed an organic rule with a large number of inconsistencies with the 1990 act. It is not clear that stringent standards for organic foods will be continued.
Therefore, now is the time to speak up for a national organic program that meets our highest expectations.
