Organic Food Standards Rule by Year’s End

July 19, 2000

USDA says 40,774 public comments were submitted on its revised National Organic Program proposed rule. The comment period for the proposed rule, which would establish national standards for the production and handling of organically produced products, closed on June 12. A final rule is expected by the end of 2000.

"We are pleased that so many people have taken the time to share their views on organic standards with us," said Kathleen A. Merrigan, administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. "Although the majority of the comments are positive, some have raised important issues that we are looking at closely, as we move toward issuing the final standards."

The proposal was published in the March 13 Federal Register, and also can be found on the National Organic Program home page at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop. All comments can be viewed at this same site.