National Organic Standards Take Affect Today

Salt Lake City - Uniform and consistent standards governing the growing, handling and sale of organic farm products take affect today nationwide. The National Organic Food Program is intended to create a comprehensive standard that consumers can rely on. Utah, along with nine other states, implemented the standards in May of this year.

Essentially, the new organic standard offers a national definition for the term "organic." It details the methods, practices and substances that can be used in producing and handling organic crops and livestock, as well as processed products. It establishes clear organic labeling criteria, and specifically prohibits the use of genetic engineering methods, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge for fertilization. "We are pleased to be among the first states to offer this service to our organic farmers and ranchers, " said Cary G. Peterson, Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food. "I believe we created an easy-to-use system that will help growers develop new and profitable markets," he added.

Today is the deadline to ensure that all qualified organic production and handling operations are certified to use the USDA organic seal on fresh and processed products.

All agricultural products labeled organic must originate from farms or handling operations certified by a state or private agency accredited by USDA. Farms and handling operations that sell less than $5,000 worth per year of organic agricultural products are exempt from certification.

For more information about Utah's organic program visit: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/