Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
verse populations of plants, insects, and other invertebrates, and microorgan-
isms.
Developing Definitions and Standards
Although we were making progress in developing more sustainable produc-
tion systems, the organic movement was hindered by confusion over just
what the term “organic” meant. Without uniform food production and hand-
ling standards, consumers were unsure whether the “organic” food that they
were buying at premium prices was any safer than conventionally produced
food. Organic growers were also hindered by not knowing what practices and
materials were or were not acceptable. Grassroots efforts produced many re-
gional definitions and standards related to organic farming, which only ad-
ded to the confusion and frustration. They did, however, spur national de-
mand for uniform standards.
The National Organic Program (NOP)
The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 required the U.S. Department of
Agriculture to develop uniform standards for the production and handling
of food products marketed as organic. Despite an initially tumultuous period
of confusion and distrust, representatives from the organic movement, com-
mercial farmers, government specialists, lawmakers, and scientists worked
together to create the National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP became
law in October 2002. According to the law:
This national program will facilitate domestic and international market-
ing of fresh and processed food that is organically produced and assure con-
sumers that such products meet consistent, uniform standards. This program
establishes national standards for the production and handling of organic-
ally produced products, including a National List of substances approved
for and prohibited from use in organic production and handling. This final
rule establishes a national-level accreditation program to be administered
by AMS [U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service] for
state officials and private persons who want to be accredited as certify-
