As New Organic Label Program Begins, Leahy, Urges Prompt Action by USDA of Follow-On Steps Included in Farm Bill

10/21/2002

From: David Carle of the Office of Sen. Patrick Leahy, 202-224-3693

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 -- After a struggle of more than ten years led by Vermont's Senator Patrick Leahy, the new organic standards and labeling program officially begins today (Monday) in grocery stores in Vermont and nationwide.

Leahy is the father of the program, which certifies that farmers whose products carry the new "USDA Organic" label have earned it by meeting the new standards. Now consumers will be able to trust that products claiming to be organic really are organic -- if they carry the USDA Organic label. It means they are produced with organic ingredients and environmentally friendly practices, and without chemical pesticides, irradiation, genetically modified seeds, and antibiotics. Leahy authored the 1990 law that set up the organic standards and labeling program, and Vermont's booming organic industry has worked with Leahy for a decade to get the labeling program through USDA and off the ground.

The number of organic farms in Vermont has quadrupled in the past decade, and U.S. demand for organic products has risen by at least 20 percent each year. The labeling program is expected to fuel even more growth in organic products, with retail sales projected to approach $20 billion three years from now.

Leahy also included several follow-on steps on organic products in this year's farm bill. Today Leahy, joined by Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), wrote to Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman asking prompt implementation of the new provisions, which include a national cost-share program which will help defray the cost of certification to organic farmers. Another provision funds a new $15 million research program to help develop better and more efficient organic agricultural practices.

The Leahy-Harkin letter to Secretary Veneman is available on request; contact: David Carle, 202-224-3693.