GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM PROPOSED RULE


                                                               
                                            Release No. 0442.97


                                                               
                                   Johna Pierce  (202) 720-4623
                                          johna.pierce@usda.gov
                                   Demaris Kogut (202) 720-8998
                                       Demaris_W_Kogut@usda.gov
                                                               

GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM PROPOSED RULE

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced publication of proposed regulations that would govern USDA's
National Organic Program.

     "The National Organic Program will strengthen one of the fastest
growing segments of the agriculture and food economy.  Although around for
nearly 40 years, just since 1986, the market for  organic' food has
exploded, growing over 40-fold so that by 1996, sales totaled $3.5 billion,"
Glickman noted.

     "In spite of this growth and the enormous potential this market
promises, America's farmers, especially our small farmers, still have to
navigate a confusing, sometimes conflicting, patchwork of some 40 state and
private certification programs.  These new rules, by setting a uniform
national standard and leveling the playing field, will open the door to this
tremendously exciting new market and new economic opportunities for our
farmers," Glickman said.

     "Just as important, the rules are going to clear up the confusion that
sometimes exists in the minds of consumers, processors, and merchandisers
about what is and what is not  organic.'  The proposed rule requires that
imports meet equivalent standards, so if foreign producers want to sell
their  organic' products in the United States, they will have to meet the
same criteria as domestic farmers," Glickman added.

     The proposed standards define "organic" as agricultural products
produced through a natural versus synthetic process.  They also address the
methods, practice, and substances used in producing and handling crops and
livestock and their processed products, including:

     . producing and handling organic agricultural products;
     . labeling of organic products;
     . certification of organic operations;
     . accreditation of state and private certifying agents;
     . compliance testing;
     . equivalency of foreign organic certification programs;
     . approval of state organic programs; and
     . user fees.

     The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 provides authority for this
proposed rule.  The proposed rule was developed from recommendations of the
National Organic Standards Board, an advisory board appointed by Secretary
Glickman, and in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration and the
Environmental Protection Agency.

                                

     USDA will hold information sessions on the proposed rule around the
country on dates and at locations that will be announced later.

     
     The proposed rule will be published in the Dec. 16 Federal Register. 
Comments must be received by March 16, 1998.  Interested persons are invited
to submit written comments to: Eileen S. Stommes, Deputy Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 4007-S, Ag Stop 0275, P.O. Box
96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456.  Comments also may be sent by FAX to (202)
690-4632 or via the Internet through the National Organic Program homepage
at: "http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop".  A copy of the proposed rule can be
purchased for $8 from the Federal Register by calling (202) 512-1800.

                                
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