USDA TO SEEK ADDITIONAL INPUT BEFORE ISSUING REVISED ORGANIC PROPOSAL
                                                               
                                           Release No. 0440.98 

                                     Carol Blake (202) 720-8998
                                                cblake@usda.gov
                                       Billy Cox (202) 720-8998
                                           Billy_A_Cox@usda.gov


USDA TO SEEK ADDITIONAL INPUT BEFORE ISSUING REVISED ORGANIC PROPOSAL

     WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 1998--Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman today
announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will seek further public
comment on three issues raised about its proposal to establish national
organic food and fiber standards.  

     "As I have said many times, the national organic standards must be
acceptable to both the public and the industry," said Glickman.  "That's why
USDA is seeking additional comment."

     To focus the discussion on these issues, USDA is publishing issue papers
addressing animal confinement, animal medications, and procedures for
termination of producer certification. Comments submitted on the proposed rule
reflected an intense interest in these subjects.

     "By publishing these issue papers and seeking public comment on them, we
are demonstrating our commitment to openness and public participation in the
process of creating national organic standards," said Michael V. Dunn,
assistant secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.  "Through this
public process, we hope to arrive at a revised proposal that will be well
received by the organic community."

     The issue papers will be published in the Oct. 28 Federal Register. 
Comments must be received by Dec. 14.  Interested persons are invited to
submit written comments to Eileen Stommes, Deputy Administrator, USDA-AMS-TM-
NOP, Room 4007-S, Ag Stop 0275, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456. 
Comments may also be sent by fax to (202) 690-4632 or via e-mail to
NOPIssue_Papers@usda.gov.  The issue papers may also be accessed on the NOP
homepage at www.ams.usda.gov/nop.

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