GLICKMAN NAMES MEMBERS TO NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARDS      

                                            Release No.0162.00 
                                                               
                                                               
                                   Dale Mitchell (202) 720-8998
                                         dale.mitchell@usda.gov
                                       Billy Cox (202) 720-8998
                                             billy.cox@usda.gov
                                                               
                                                               
GLICKMAN NAMES MEMBERS TO NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD

     WASHINGTON, May 12, 2000-- Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced the appointment of five new members to the National Organic
Standards Board.  

     The following appointees will serve terms beginning immediately and
ending
Jan. 24, 2005:

     Organic farmer:  Owusu A. Bandele, Baton Rouge, La.

     Retailer:  T. Mark King, Indianapolis, Ind.

     Organic handler:  Kim M. Burton, Chico, Calif.

     Environmentalists:  William Lockeretz, Brookline, Mass.; and Rebecca J.
Goldburg, Montclair, N.J.

     The National Organic Standards Board includes 4 organic farmers, 1
retailer, 2 organic handlers, 3 environmentalists, 3 consumers, and 1
scientist.

     The National Organic Standards Board was established by the Organic
Foods Production Act of 1990.  The board is authorized to assist in the
development of standards for substances to be used in organic production and
to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of the act. 
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the activities of the board.
                               



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