Organic Agricultural Products: Marketing and Trade Resources Series, Guide 1
About this Series:
This research guide is one of seven in the Organic Agricultural Products: Marketing and Trade Resources
series. Each guide is a subject-oriented compilation that focuses on a separate
type of information or research source. [More...]
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put in place a set of national standards that food labeled "organic" must meet – whether it is grown in the United States or imported from other countries. U.S. regulations were fully implemented on October 21, 2002, and are administered by the National Organic Program (NOP) within USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). On February 4, 2008 AMS announced a reorganization of the NOP office into three branches: Accreditation, Auditing and Training Branch; Standards Development and Review Branch; and Compliance and Enforcement Branch. See: AMS Press Release, http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5066878 &acct=nopgeninfo (accessed 6/3/08)
This section highlights information about/links to selected NOP resources and to other significant Federal and industry entities with roles in regulating organics. Also included: links to texts of pertinent Federal legislation and information about current Congressional committees and caucuses.
1. National Organic Program (NOP).
Contact: Associate Deputy Administrator, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, Room 4008 - South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-0020; 202-720-3252; fax
202-205-7808.
Homepage: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateA &navID=NationalOrganicProgram&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram &page=NOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&acct=nop (accessed 6/3/08) Description: The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 required
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop and maintain national
standards for organically produced agricultural products to assure consumers
that agricultural products marketed as organic meet consistent, uniform
standards. The OFPA and the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations require
that agricultural products labeled as organic originate from farms or handling
operations certified by a State or private entity that has been accredited by
USDA.
12. Court
Finds in Favor of USDA in Organic Case.
June 9, 2005. 4p.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5049137
&acct=nopgeninfo (accessed 6/3/08) Description: "On November 2, 2006, the United States District Court,
District of Maine, granted USDA’s ‘motion for relief from judgment’ in response
to a second lawsuit brought against the Department by Arthur Harvey."
13. Memorandum
to All USDA Accredited Certifying Agents: Certification of Agricultural
Products That Meet NOP Standards.
August 23, 2005.
Full text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5052491
&acct=nopgeninfo (accessed 6/3/08) Description: "There are agricultural products, including personal care
products, that, by virtue of their organic agricultural product content, may
meet the NOP standards and be labeled as ‘100 percent organic,’ ‘organic’ or
‘made with organic’ pursuant to the NOP regulations. Businesses that
manufacture and distribute such products may be certified under the NOP, and
such products may be labeled as ‘100 percent organic,’ ‘organic" or ‘made with
organic’ so long as they meet NOP requirements. Additionally, products that may
be labeled ‘100 percent organic’ or ‘organic’ may also carry the USDA organic
seal. If additional rulemaking is required for such products to address
additional labeling issues or the use of synthetics in such products, the NOP
will pursue such rulemaking as expeditiously as possible." [Excerpt from Memo]
15. National
Organic Program, Sunset Review (Federal Register Notice).
October 16, 2007
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5066629&acct=nosb (accessed 6/3/08) Description: "This rule amends the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
(USDA) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List)
regulations to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary of
Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from
November 17, 2005 through October 19, 2006. The amendments addressed in this
final rule pertain to the continued exemption (use) and prohibition of 168
substances in organic production and handling. Consistent with the
recommendations from the NOSB, this final rule renews 165 exemptions and
prohibitions on the National List (along with any restrictive annotations) and
removes 3 exemptions from the National List." [Summary] This rule is effective
October 21, 2007.
17. NOP
and NOSB Collaboration on Grower Group Certifications, by Barbara
Robinson.
May, 2007.
Full text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5058882 &acct=nopgeninfo (accessed 6/3/08) Description: Letter to all USDA certifying agents addressing enforcement
action and future rule-making by NOP related to grower group certification.
18. National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).
Homepage: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=
TemplateQ&navID=NOSBHomeNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&rightNav1= NOSBHomeNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&topNav=&leftNav= NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOSBHome&description=NOSB&acct=nosb (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, part of the 1990
Farm Bill, authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a 15-member
National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The board’s main mission is to assist
the Secretary in developing standards for substances to be used in organic
production. The NOSB also advises the Secretary on other aspects of
implementing the national organic program." [Web site] Recommendations made by
the NOSB are not official policy until they are approved and adopted by USDA.
Includes member contact directory, meeting schedule, meeting and conference
call archives, NOSB recommendations, and Aquatic Animals Task Force
information.
19. Cloning
Recommendation, by National Organic Standards Board Livestock
Committee.
USDA, National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), February 20, 2007. 3p.
Full Text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5067151 (accessed 6/3/08) Description: "Conclusion: To strengthen and clarify the existing rules,
the NOSB Livestock Committee recommends that the NOP amend the regulations to
add animal cloning technology to the definition of "Excluded Methods" and that
the NOP update other sections of the rule to ensure that animal cloning
technology is excluded, and that products derived from organisms subjected to
such technology be excluded from organic production." [Web site]
21. Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA).
United States Code. 21p.
Full text as posted by Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry: http://agriculture.senate.gov/Legislation/Compilations/AgMisc/OGFP90.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Title XXI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (Public Law 101 624), as Amended through Public Law 109-97, Nov.
10, 2005.
22. National Organic Program.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/organicprogram/ (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Site provides information about and links to NOP overview,
major statutes, regulations, case law, administrative law decisions, reference
resources and center research publications.
23. Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
Homepage: http://www.omri.org/ (accessed
10/17/07) Description: "OMRI provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers,
and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified
organic production, handling, and processing. OMRI reviews applying products
against the National Organic Standards. Acceptable products are OMRI Listed®
and appear on the OMRI Products List. OMRI also provides subscribers guidance
on the acceptability of various material inputs in general under the National
Organic Program." [Web site]
25. Agriculture:
Organic Farming.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/torg.html (accessed 10/30/07) Description: Links to background documents on organic production as well
as "Guidance for Labeling Pesticides Under the National Organic Program." See Pesticide
Registration (PR) Notice 2003-1, Notice to Manufacturers, Formulators,
Producers, and Registrants of Pesticide Products: Labeling of Pesticide
Products under the National Organic Program, http://www.epa.gov/opppmsd1/ PR_Notices/pr2003-1.pdf (accessed 10/30/07).
26. Labeling
of Pesticide Products Under the National Organic Program.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/biopesticides/regtools/organic-pr-notice.htm (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice 2003-1. Notice to
Manufacturers, Formulators, Producers and Registrants of Pesticide Products.
"This notice describes how registrants can obtain Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) approval of label language indicating that all ingredients (active
and inert) in a pesticide product and all uses of that pesticide meet the
criteria defined in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)
National Organic Program (NOP) Rule." [Web site]
27. Alcohol Beverages Labeled with Organic
Claims.
U.S. Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
(TTB).
URL: http://www.ttb.gov/alfd/alfd_organic.shtml (accessed 10/17/07) Description: U.S. Department of Agriculture provide "standards for the
production, handling, processing, labeling and marketing of products labeled
with organic claims. While these rules were not written or implemented by the
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), they do apply to alcohol
beverages. For this reason, TTB has worked closely with the USDA to ensure that
the alcohol beverage industry has been provided with current and accurate
information regarding organic claims on labels. This web site and the resources
catalogued within are designed to provide you with the most up-to-date
information on organic claims on alcohol beverage labels." [Web site]
29. Basic Provisions, Federal Crop Insurance
Reform, Insurance Implementation, Regulations for the 1999 and Subsequent
Reinsurance Years; Group Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations for the 2001 and
Succeeding Crop Years; and the Common Crop Insurance Regulations - Final Rule.
USDA, Risk Management Agency (RMA). Note:Federal Register, June
25, 2003, as posted by USDA RMA.
Full text: http://www.rma.usda.gov/regs/2003/03basicprovisions.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "The Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA)
provides that organic farming practices be recognized as good farming
practices. Prior to this ruling, crop insurance policies may not have covered
production losses when organic insect, disease, and/or weed control measures
were used and such measures were not effective." [Web site]
30. Organic
Farming Practices: 2007 Insurance Fact Sheet.
(Organic Farming Practices/Program Aid Number 1912), December 2006.
Full text: http://www.rma.usda.gov/pubs/2006/organics.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
31. Congressional Caucus on Organic Agriculture. Note: Information posted by Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF).
URL: http://ofrf.org/policy/organic_caucus/organic_caucus.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "The Organic Caucus is a bipartisan association of
congressional members dedicated to enhancing the availability and understanding
of information related to the production and processing of organic agricultural
products. The caucus shall serve the public interest through the promotion of
sound policies that advance organic production and marketing." [Mission statement] Information, meeting agendas and current membership included on the
site.
32. House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee
on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture.
URL: http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/subcomms.html (accessed 10/17/07) Description: House of Representatives, U.S. Congress (110th). Dennis A.
Cardoza, (D-CA) Chairman. Jurisdiction: fruits and vegetables; honey and bees;
marketing and promotion orders; plant pesticides, quarantine, adulteration of
seeds, and insect pests; and organic agriculture. Page includes list of current
members.
State Laws and Regulations Pertinent to Marketing Organic
Products
Many states have
legislation, regulations and/or a USDA-accredited organic certification
programs that organic producers, handlers, processors and retailers should be
aware of.
37. "Summaries of State Organic Laws/States without
Organic Laws,"
In National Organic Directory, pp. 145-161.Community Alliance with
Family Farmers, 2001. Note: This publication is no longer in print.
There are a growing
number of organizations offering eco-labels and/or product certification for
agricultural products. Many are related to organic standards but offer
producers and consumers product-specific or alternative marketing options. This
list is meant to be representative of such programs and not comprehensive in
scope.
38. Greener Choices: Eco-Label Center.
Consumers Union, 2005.
Homepage: http://www.greenerchoices.org/eco-labels/eco-home.cfm (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Learn more about products that are eco-labeled compared to
those that are conventionally farmed or produced and compare labels quickly
with a shorthand report card." [Web site] Includes product and label indexes
categorized as "Organic, Sustainable Agriculture," "Animal Welfare," "Pest
Management," "No Genetic Engineering," "Environmental Persistence," and "Social
Responsibility."
39. American Grassfed Association.
Homepage: http://www.americangrassfed.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "The American Grassfed Association (AGA) family of logos
and design marks were developed by the American Grassfed Association and
trademarked to identify food and agriculture products, which meet the standards
as set forth in the AGA Grassfed Ruminant Standards and certified through a
program approved by the AGA." [Web sote]
40. American Organic Standards.
Organic Trade Association (OTA).
URL: http://www.ota.com/standards/aos/index.html (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Adopted by OTA in October 1999, AOS is a "detailed document
that compiles and codifies industry practices as they currently are understood
and applied. OTA took this action to provide a unified voice to establish
standards that will protect the integrity of organic agriculture. OTA intends
to use these standards to work toward better harmonization of international
standards." [Web site]
41. Cert ID Non GMO Standard.
Cert ID LC.
Contact: Cert ID LC, PO Box 1810, Fairfield IA 52556-0031; 877-384-6193
(toll-free in U.S/Canada) or 641-472-9979; e-mail info-na@cert-id.com
Homepage: http://www.cert-id.com/ (accessed
10/30/07) Description: "CERT ID is a global company active in providing
third-party certification programs to growers, agricultural processors, food
ingredient producers, food and feed manufacturers, animal producers and food
retailers." [Web site] Provides standards for CERT ID® EU Regulatory Compliance
Standard and CERT ID® Non GMO Standard.
42. Certified Humane Raised and Handled.
Humane Farm Animal Care.
Contact: Humane Farm Animal Care, PO Box 727, Herndon VA 20172; 703-435-3883;
e-mail info@certifiedhumane.org
Homepage: http://www.certifiedhumane.com/ (accessed 11/31/07) Description: "Humane Farm Animal Care is a non-profit organization whose
mission is to improve the lives of farm animals by providing viable, credible,
duly monitored standards for human food production and ensuring consumers that
certified products need these standards." [Web site]
43. Certified Naturally Grown.
Certified Naturally Grown.
Contact: Certified Naturally Grown, PO Box 156, Stone Ridge NY 12484;
877-211-0308; e-mail info@naturallygrown.org
Homepage: http://www.naturallygrown.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Certified Naturally Grown is a Grassroots Alternative to
the USDA’s National Organic Program meant primarily for small farmers
distributing through local channels - Farmer’s Markets, roadside stands, local
restaurants, Community Supported Agriculture Programs and small local grocery
stores - the farmer’s that make up your local landscape!" [Press summary and
information]
44. Davis Fresh Pro-Safe
Certification Program.
Davis FreshTech.
Contact: Davis FreshTech, 8 Seascape Village, Aptos CA 95003; 831-688-8900;
e-mail solutions@nsfdavisfresh.org
Homepage: http://www.davisfreshtech.com/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Provides food safety audits and consulting for the
perishable food industry.
45. Demeter Certified Biodynamic®.
Demeter Association, Inc.
Contact: Demeter Association, Inc., PO Box 1390, Philomath OR 97370 USA; 541-929-7148.
Homepage: http://www.demeter-usa.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "For the Certification of Biodynamic Agriculture." See also
Demeter International, http://www.demeter.net (accessed 10/31/07).
46. Fair Trade Certified.
TransFair USA.
Contact: TransFair USA, 1500 Broadway, Suite 400, Oakland CA 94612;
510-663-5260; e-mail info@transfairusa.org
Homepage: http://www.transfairusa.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "TransFair USA’s mission is to build a more equitable and
sustainable model of international trade that benefits producers, consumers,
industry and the earth. We achieve our mission by certifying and promoting Fair
Trade products." [Web site]
47. Farmer’s Pledge.
Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York
(NOFA-NY).
Homepage: http://nofany.org/farmerspledge.htm (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "To further enable consumers to identify the farms they
want to support with their food dollars, NOFA-NY has established a Farmer’s
Pledge, separate and distinct from USDA Certified Organic... This pledge is
based on the integrity of the farmer/gardener." [Web site]
48. Food Alliance Certified.
The Food Alliance (TFA).
Homepage: http://www.foodalliance.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Food Alliance certified farmers meet strict standards in
the areas of pesticide reduction, soil and water conservation, wildlife habitat
conservation and safe and fair working conditions." [Web site] Programs: Farm
and Ranch Certification Program, and Handlers Certification Program
49. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard, 2006.
Homepage: http://www.global-standard.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "The aim of the standard is to define requirements to
ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials,
through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling
in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer." Developed in
cooperation with Organic Trade Association (OTA) and other organizations in the
U.S. and Europe.
50. International Organization for
Standardization (ISO).
Homepage: http://www.iso.ch/iso/en/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "ISO has developed over 16500 International Standards on a
variety of subjects and 1250 new ISO standards are published every year." In
addition to standards for basic business practices, ISO current standards
include those for: food management systems; traceability in the feed and food
chain; foodstuffs - methods of analysis for the detection of genetically
modified organisms and derived products; guidelines on the application of ISO
9001:2000 for the food and drink industry; and many related to environmental
qualities. See also Audit, Review and Compliance Branch, Auditing Services,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in this
listing.
53. IPM Product and Service Recognition Programs
and Information.
IPM Institute of North America, Inc.
URL: http://www.ipminstitute.org/links.htm (accessed 11/27/07) Description: Descriptions and links for organizations providing
eco-labeling options and related programs related to IPM (Integrated Pest
Management) practices. See also the Institute’s Bibliography of IPM
Certification, Labeling and Marketing at http://www.ipminstitute.org/ipm_bibliography.htm (accessed 11/27/07)
54. NSF International.
NSF International.
Contact: NSF International, 789 North Dixboro Road, P.O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor
MI 48113-0140; 800-NSF-MARK (toll free in US); e-mail info@nsf.org
Homepage: http://www.nsf.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "NSF works with both regulators and companies to find risk
management solutions that all parties can live with." [Web site] Various
certification programs are available including one for Organic Food
administered by Quality Assurance International (QAI). Others food-related
programs deal with Bottled Water and Packaged Ice, Dietary Supplements, Food
Equipment, Food Safety Services, Functional Food and Beverages, GMO Testing
Program, HACCP, and Meat and Poultry Processing Equipment.
55. Scientific Certification Systems (SCS).
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS).
Contact: SCS, Main Office, 2200 Powell Street, Suite 725, Emeryville CA 94608; 510-452-8000.
Homepage: http://www.scscertified.com/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: In addition to Organic certification, SCS programs include:
Clean Food Certification; Antioxidant Rich™ Certification; Certification of
Socially Responsible Practices; Pesticide Residue Free Certification;
Specialized Pesticide Residue Testing Services; GAP/GMP Food Safety Audits;
CertiClean® HACCP-based Food Safety Management Certification; EurepGAP, BRC,
and Tesco Food Safety Certification; Fair Labor Practices and Community
Benefits; Material and Recycled Content; and Biodegradability. Information
about their Draft National Standard for Sustainable Agriculture (SCS-001) is at http://www.scscertified.com/foodag/sustainable/ key_principles.html (assessed 10/31/07).
Selected Background Documents about U.S. Standards
Organic standards have evolved over many years, and
debate continues on many key topics. This reading list is intended to provide a
taste of both historical and current issues pertinent to organic standards and
certification. Representative opinion pieces and research analysis are
included.
57. About Organic.
Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), 2006 (Frequently Asked Questions
about Organic Farming).
Full text: http://ofrf.org/resources/organicfaqs.html (accessed 10/17/07)
58. Agricultural Biotechnology and Organic
Agriculture: National Organic Standards, Labeling and Second-Generation of GM
Products, by Konstantinos Giannakas and Amalia Yiannaka.
American Agricultural Economics Association, 2003. 28p. Note: Selected
Paper, Annual Meeting, July 27-30, 2003, Montreal, Canada.
Summary and full text: http://agecon.lib.umn.edu/cgi-bin/detailview.pl?paperid=9177 (accessed 10/17/07)
60. Appetite for Change: How the Counterculture
Took on the Food Industry, by Warren James Belasco.
2nd updated edition. Cornell University Press, 2007. 327p. [NAL Call Number:
HD9005 .B44 2007].
Information/abstract only: http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/cup_detail.taf?ti_id=1994 (accessed 10/24/07)
61. Building Trust in Organics: A Guide
to Setting Up Organic Certification Programmes, by Gunnar Rundgren.
Rev. edition. International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
(IFOAM), 2007.
Information/abstract only: http://shop.ifoam.org/bookstore/product_info.php? products_id=421 (accessed 10/24/07)
62. Comparative Analysis of the United States National Organic Program (7 CFR 205) and the European Union Organic
Legislation (EEC 2092/91) and Amendments, by Sustainable Strategies
Advisors in Food and Agriculture.
Organic Trade Association (OTA), 2002. 106p. Note: Prepared for the
Organic Trade Association. Summary available at: http://www.ota.com/standards/other/eu_us.html (accessed 10/17/07).
Full text: http://www.ota.com/pics/documents/NOPEUunifiedreport.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
66. "Federal Court Requires Stricter Organic Rules
on Synthetics, Non-Organic Ingredients, and Dairy Feed," In Analysis of
the Decision on January 26, 2005, by U.S. Court of Appeals for First Circuit,
Boston Massachusetts, in Case of Arthur Harvey V. Ann Veneman, Secretary of
Agriculture, No. 04-1379.
Organic Trade Association (OTA), 2005.
Full text as reprinted by Organic Consumers Association: http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/harvey012805.cfm (accessed 8/8/05)
67. Federal Regulation of Organic Food: A
Research Guide for Legal Practitioners and Food Industry Professionals,
by Stephanie Jillian.
National Agricultural Law Center, 2006. Note: "An Agricultural Law
Research Publication."
Full text: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/research/#organicregulation (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "This guide explores methods and resources for researching
the federal regulation of organic food following the passage of the Organic
Foods Production Act of 1990. This guide focuses on the current state of
federal law and not on the pre-1990 history of organic food regulation, or on
state regulation. There are countless resources available, including government
documents, online electronic files, books, trade journals, government and
non-government sponsored websites, agricultural search engines, and commercial
databases. This guide examines these and other resources, providing the reader
with a clear roadmap for approaching research on this topic."
69. "How the Media Missed the Organic Story,"
by Samuel Fromartz.
Samuel Fromartz, 2007.
Full text as posted by Organic Trade Association (OTA): http://www.ota.com/news/HowMediaMissed.html (accessed 10/17/07)
71. "Implications of Organic Certification for
Market Structure and Trade," by Luanne Lohr. American Journal of Agricultural Economics 80, no. 5 (1998): pp.
1125-1133.
Full text as posted by AllBusiness.com, The Gale Group, Inc. and American
Agricultural Economics Association: http://www.allbusiness.com/north-america/united-states/734440-1.html (accessed 10/17/07)
73. "It’s a Natural," by Leslie Krasny. Wellness Foods/Food Processing, April, 2007: p. 20.
Full text: http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2007/080.html (accessed 11/27/07) Description: "A ‘natural’ claim for foods is still subject to
uncertainty over standards."
75. A Legal Guide to the National Organic
Program, by Harrison M. Pittman.
National Agricultural Law Center, 2004. 64p.
Full text: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/articles/pittman_organicprogram.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: "This article examines the legal aspects of NOP. It focuses
on the requirements set forth in the final rule and OFPA. This article is
intended to be helpful for lawyers and non-lawyers alike who are interested or
involved with organic production and handling." [Web site]
77. Market-Led Growth vs. Government-Facilitated
Growth: Development of the U.S. and EU Organic Agricultural Sectors, by
Carolyn Dimitri and Lydia Oberholtzer.
USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS), 2005. 26p. (Outlook Report, WRS0505).
Full text: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/WRS0505/ (accessed 10/20/07) Description: Organic farmland and sales are rapidly growing worldwide,
and the two largest markets are in the European Union (EU) and the United States. The two regions have adopted different policy approaches to organic
agriculture. Many EU countries have "green payments" available for
transitioning and continuing organic farmers, as well as a variety of other
supply and demand policies aimed at promoting growth of the organic sector. The
U.S. Government, in contrast, has largely taken a free-market approach to the
organic sector, and policy is aimed at facilitating market development. This
report compares EU and U.S. organic agriculture policy and examines the organic
sectors in the two regions.
78. "National Organic Program Background," by
Sean L. Swezey.
In Organic Farming Compliance Handbook: A Resource Guide for Western Region
Agricultural Professionals, by Brian Baker, Sean L. Swezey, David
Granatstein, Steve Guldan and David Chaney. University of California,
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP), 2005.
Full text: http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/organic/complianceguide/national1.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
80. "The National Organic Program (NOP): What
Agricultural Professionals Need to Know."
In Organic Farming Compliance Handbook: A Resource Guide for Western Region
Agricultural Professionals, by Brian Baker, Sean L. Swezey, David
Granatstein, Steve Guldan and David Chaney.
University of California, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Program (SAREP), 2005.
Full text: http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/organic/complianceguide/national2.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
81. National Organic Rules Backgrounder:
Implementing the Organic Foods Production Act.
Organic Trade Association (OTA), no date.
Full text: http://www.ota.com/standards/nop/norb.html (accessed 10/17/07)
83. "NOP Collaborate with NOSB on Organic Grower
Group Certification," Organic Standard 73 (May, 2007): p. 1.
Full text: http://www.organicstandard.com/TOS-73-page1.pdf (accessed 10/24/07)
87. Organic Foods and the USDA National Organic
Program, by Jean M. Rawson.
Congressional Research Service, 2007.
Full text as posted by National Agricultural Law Center: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RL31595.pdf (accessed 10/17/07) Description: Report produced by the Congressional Research Service, a
branch of the Library of Congress providing nonpartisan research reports to
members of the House and Senate.
89. "Organic Grapes, Organic Wine: The Harvest is Bountiful, but the Labeling Controversy is Still Fermenting," by Paul Gleason. E/The Environmental Magazine 17, no. 6 (2006).
Full text: http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3423 (accessed 10/20/07)
90. Organic, Inc.: Natural Foods and How They
Grew, by Samuel Fromartz.
Harcourt, 2006. 320p.
Information/abstract only: http://www.fromartz.com/main.php?sn=sn1&pc=oi2 (accessed 10/24/07)
91. "Organic Industry Roots Run Deep," by Ken
Mergentime. Natural Foods Merchandiser’s Organic Times (1994).
95. "Organic Standards and Certification," by
Sasha Courville.
In Organic Agriculture: A Global Perspective, by Paul Kristiansen, Acram
Taji and John Reganold, pp. 201-219. Cornell University Press; CSIRO
Publishing; CABI Publishing, 2006. 480p.
Information/abstract only: http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/cup_detail.taf ?ti_id=4640 (accessed 11/27/07) Description: This chapter highlights the history of the development of
organic standards and certification; organic standards and standards setting
processes; conformity assessment processes (international verification
processes); and key challenges for the future of organic regulation. A list of
references is included.
96. "Organic Standards: By Whom and for Whom?"
by W. Lockeretz and V. Lund.
In Socio-Economic Aspects of Animal Health and Food Safety in Organic
Farming Systems. Proceedings of the 1st SAFO Workshop, Florence, Italy, 5-7
September 2003, pp. 201-210., 2003.
Full text (go to p. 201): http://www.safonetwork.org/publications/ws1/wp1pub/ ws1_pro.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
97. Organic Trade Association Adopts Organic
Fiber Processing Standards.
Organic Trade Association, February 23, 2004 (OTA Press Release).
Full text: http://www.ota.com/news/press/130.html (accessed 10/17/07)
98. "Organic ‘Concentrated Animal Feeding
Operations’ – a Thing of the Past?" by Samuel Fromartz. Organic Standard 77 (September, 2007): p. 1.
Full text: http://www.organicstandard.com/TOS-77-page1.pdf (accessed 10/24/07)
100. Personal Care Task Force Fact Sheet.
Organic Trade Association (OTA), Quality Assurance Committee, 2004.
Full text: http://www.ota.com/PersonalCareFact.html (accessed 10/17/07)
101. Regulating Organic: Impacts of the National
Organic Standards on Consumer Awareness and Organic Consumption Patterns,
by Ron Strochlic.
California Institute for Rural Studies, 2005. Note: Funded by the USDA
Agriculture Marketing Service, USDA-AMS Agreement 12-25-A-4264.
Full-text: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3101425 (accessed 6/3/08)
105. Sociological Perspectives of Organic
Agriculture: From Pioneer to Policy, by Georgina Holt and Matthew Reed.
CABI Publishing, 2006. 309p. [NAL Call Number: HD9000.5 .S657 2006].
Information/abstract only: http://www.cabi.org/bk_bookdisplay.asp?SubjectArea= &Subject=&PID=1914 (accessed 10/24/07)
106. "State-Centered versus Nonstate-Driven Organic
Food Standardization: A Comparison of the U.S. and Sweden," by Magnus
Bostrëm and Mikael Klintman. Agriculture and Human Values23, no. 2 (2006): pp.
163-180.
Information/abstract only: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/klu/ahum/ 2006/00000023/00000002/00006099 (accessed 11/27/07)
107. "Transforming Organic Agriculture into
Industrial Organic Products: Reconsidering National Organic Standards," by
Laura G. DeLind. Human Organization 59, no. 2 (2000): pp. 198-208.
Information/abstract only (go to seventh entry): http://www.sfaa.net/ho/ 2000/summer2000.html (accessed 10/17/07)
110. "USDA Publishes Final Rule to Revise NOP
Regulations/Q&A’s on _Harvey V. Johanns_ (Harvey) Final Regulation." Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) News (2006).
Full text: http://www.ioia.net/news.html#top (accessed 10/17/07)
111. "USDA Relents on Scope of National Organic
Program: ‘Organic Agricultural Product Content’ Qualifies Products for Organic
Labeling." American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) News (August 24, 2005).
Full text: http://www.ahpa.org/Default.aspx?tabid=69&aId=204 (accessed 10/17/07)
112. "Variation
in Organic Standards Prior to the National Organic Program," by T. Robert
Fetter and Julie Caswell. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 17, no. 2 (2002); pp. 55-74.
113.Veneman
Marks Implementation of USDA National Organic Standards.
USDA, October 21, 2002 (News Release, 0453.02).
114. "Who’s
Watching the USDA’s Organic ‘Henhouse’," by Joe Mendelson. Organic Farming Research Foundation Information Bulletin 12 (Winter,
2003): pp. 1, 8.
Full text: http://www.ofrf.org/publications/ib/ib12.pdf (accessed 10/17/07)
General Federal Food-related Labeling and Regulatory
Programs and Information: Selected Background Resources – U.S. Food Regulation and Labeling
Any organic handling, labeling or marketing scheme
must address general commodity regulations as well as those specific to
organic.
115. Reading Rooms: National Agricultural Law Center.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law.
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Each reading room contains a comprehensive list of current
electronic resources for an agricultural or food law topic. Links are provided to
major statutes, regulations, case law, Federal Register Digest reports,
Center-published research articles, government publications, Congressional
publications, and numerous other research resources. Also contained in each
room is an overview article that provides a thumbnail sketch of the history and
development of that subject." [Web site]
116. Commercial
Transactions.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/commercial/ (accessed 11/16/07) Description: "Modern agriculture is dominated by complex commercial
transactions that are often highly regulated and involve legal issues unique to
agriculture. These transactions are primarily governed by state law, which is
subject to the vagaries of each state’s legislature and subsequent judicial
interpretation. Agricultural transactions cover many areas of commercial law
including the sale of goods, leasing, contract law, secured transactions, and
commodity futures trading. In order to provide the business community with some
certainty in transactions and to facilitate complex transactions that may cross
state boundaries, most jurisdictions have adopted the Uniform Commercial Code
(UCC), with only minor variations between different states, to govern the
majority of commercial transactions." [Web site]
117. Country
of Origin Labeling (COOL).
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/cool/ (accessed 11/16/07) Description: "Under the Tariff Act of 1930, 19 U.S.C. §§ 1202-1681b, nearly
every item imported into the
United States must indicate to the ultimate purchaser its country of origin.
Many imported agricultural products are either exempted from coverage of the
Act or are deemed to have undergone sufficient additional manufacturing or
processing so that they become products of the United States and therefore do
not require labeling. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Pub.
L. No. 107-171 § 10816, 116 Stat. 134, 533-35, amends the Agricultural
Marketing Act of 1946, 7 U.S.C. §§ 1621-1637b (amendments to be codified at 7
U.S.C. §§ 1638-1638d), to require retail level country of origin labeling
(COOL) for shellfish, peanuts, fruits, vegetables, and various meats. This change will inform consumers at the final
point of sale of a covered commodity’s origins." [Web site]
118. Food
Labeling.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/foodlabeling/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Governmental intervention in food labeling typically aims
at improving human health and safety, supporting domestic agricultural and food
manufacturing industries, and averting international trade disputes. Pursuant
to the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and its amendments, food labeling
addresses nutritional information and is required for most prepared foods, such
as breads, cereals, canned and frozen foods, snacks, desserts, drinks, etc.,
whereas nutrition labeling for raw produce (fruits and vegetables) and fish is
voluntary." [Web site]
119. Marketing
Orders.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/marketing/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Marketing orders and agreements are legal instruments
issued by the USDA Secretary that are designed to stabilize market conditions
for certain agricultural commodities by regulating the handling of those
commodities in interstate or foreign commerce." [Web site]
120. Perishable
Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/perishablecommodities/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act ("PACA"), 7
U.S.C. §§ 499a-499t, was enacted in 1930 to regulate the marketing of
perishable agricultural commodities in interstate and foreign commerce. The
primary purposes of the PACA are to prevent unfair and fraudulent conduct in
the marketing and selling of perishable agricultural commodities and to
facilitate the orderly flow of perishable agricultural commodities in
interstate and foreign commerce. The PACA is administered and regulated by the Agricultural Marketing Service, an agency within the
USDA." [Web site]
121. Production
Contracts.
National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law (Reading
Room).
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/productioncontracts/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Agricultural production contracts are agreements between
producers and contractors, typically agricultural commodity processors, that
detail an arrangement for raising agricultural commodities. These contracts
usually identify the production practices to be used, identify the party
responsible for supplying the required resources, and specify the quantity,
quality, and method of payment for the product. Farmers and ranchers utilize
production contracts as a tool to manage the risks inherent in agricultural
production, and agribusinesses employ production contracts to manage risk and
to control expenditures. The legal implications of production contracts are
unique to each jurisdiction because the law of each state governs their
interpretation. In addition, variations in terms and language contained in
individual production contracts make each one distinct." [Web site]
123. Food Law Org.
Law Office of Neal D. Fortin.
Homepage: http://www.foodlaw.org/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Comprehensive clearinghouse for information on food law,
labeling and safety, and related legal and regulatory resources. Site
maintained by the Law Office of Neal D. Fortin, Director of the Institute for
Food Laws and Regulations (http://www.iflr.msu.edu/ (accessed 10/31/07)) and assistant professor at Michigan State University.
125. United States Food Law Update,
by Michael T. Roberts.
National Agricultural Law Center, 2006 (An Agricultural Law Research Article). Note: Originally published in the Journal of Food Law and Policy 517 (2006).
Full text: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/articles/roberts_usupdate2.pdf (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "This update summarizes significant changes and
developments in food law over the first half of 2000 and provides a starting
point for scholars, practitioners, food scientists, and policymakers to better
understand the shaping of food law in modern society." [Introduction]
127. Food Labeling Compliance Review, by
James L. Summers and Elizabeth J. Campbell.
4th edition. Blackwell Publishing, 2007. 336p. Note: Available in book
or searchable CD-ROM format.
Information/abstract only: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/book.asp ?ref=9780813821818&site=1 (accessed 10/24/07)
128. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 101 -
Food Labeling. Title 21 - Food and Drugs, Chapter I - Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), 1999.
URL: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/21cfr101_04.html (accessed 10/24/07)
129. Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/lqpa.html (accessed 10/24/07) Description: "This law amends the two major pesticide laws: the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA)." FQPA establishes a "strong, health-based safety
standard for pesticide residues in all foods. It uses ‘a reasonable certainty
of no harm’ as the general safety standard." Site includes a summary of the
FQPA and links to related information.
130. Laws Enforced by the FDA and Related
Statutes.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2007 (updated).
URL: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/ (accessed 10/24/07) Description: Links to regulatory text and related information for more
than a dozen federal laws handled, at least in part, by FDA.
132. "Navigating the Health Claim Maze," by David
Joy. Food Processing (Sept. 2007): p. 21.
Full text: http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2007/215.html (accessed 11/27/07) Description: "FDA’s recent guidance focuses only on the process for
evaluating evidence supporting a health claim."
General Federal Food-related Labeling and Regulatory
Programs and Information: Selected U.S. Agencies with Food Regulatory
Functions
This listing is not comprehensive. This listing is not comprehensive.
Thorough research on rules relevant to specific commodity, marketing purpose,
jurisdiction – city, county, state and/or country, and more, is necessary for
any business plan or marketing scheme.
133. USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Homepage: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ (accessed 6/3/08) Description: "The Agricultural Marketing Service includes six commodity
programs- Cotton, Dairy, Fruit and Vegetable, Livestock and Seed, Poultry, and
Tobacco. The programs employ specialists who provide standardization, grading
and market news services for those commodities. They enforce such Federal Laws
as the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and the Federal Seed Act. AMS
commodity programs also oversee marketing agreements and orders, administer
research and promotion programs, and purchase commodities for Federal food
programs." [Web site]
136. Country of Origin Labeling.
URL: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do? template=TemplateM&navID=CountryofOriginLabeling&rightNav1= CountryofOriginLabeling&topNav=&leftNav=CommodityAreas&page= CountryOfOriginLabeling&resultType= (accessed 6/3/08) Description: "On May 13, 2002, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, more commonly known as the 2002 Farm Bill, became law. One of its many provisions requires country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef, lamb, pork, fish, perishable agricultural commodities, and peanuts. On January 27, 2004, Public Law 108-199 delayed implementation of mandatory COOL for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2006. On November 10, 2005, Public Law 109-97 delayed implementation of mandatory COOL for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2008. As described in the legislation, program implementation is the responsibility of USDA‘s Agricultural Marketing Service." [Web site]
Includes regulatory updates, press releases, guidelines and comments.
144. USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS).
Homepage: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ (accessed 10/29/07) Description: APHIS "is a multi-faceted Agency with a broad mission area
that includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating
genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and
carrying out wildlife damage management activities." [Web site]
145. National
Animal Identification System (NAIS).
URL: http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/index.shtml (accessed 10/29/07) Description: "To protect the health of U.S. livestock and poultry and
the economic well-being of those industries, we must be able to quickly and
effectively trace an animal disease to its source... NAIS - a modern,
streamlined information system - consists of three voluntary components:
premises registration, animal identification, and animal tracing." [Web site]
146. USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS),
Nutrient Data Laboratory.
URL: http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=12354500 (accessed 10/29/07) Description: "The Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL) has the responsibility
to develop USDA’s
National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, the
foundation of most food and nutrition databases in the US, used in food policy,
research and nutrition monitoring. Our database products are available to the
public and scientific community. NDL is one of seven units in the Beltsville
Human Nutrition Research Center (BHNRC) of the Agricultural Research Service
(ARS)." Includes Searchable USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference,
Release 17 (2004) and Nutritive Value of Foods (Home and Garden Bulletin
No. 72), reports by single nutrients, special interest databases including
"flavonoids" and "isoflavones," classic USDA food composition publications, and
a glossary.
147. USDA Center for
Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
Homepage: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/ (accessed 10/29/07) Description: "CNPP carries out its mission to improve the health of
Americans by (1) advancing and promoting food and nutrition guidance for all
Americans; (2) assessing diet quality; and (3) advancing consumer, nutrition,
and food economic knowledge." [Web site] Products include "Dietary Guidelines
for Americans," "Healthy Eating Index (HEI)," "Nutrient Content of the U.S.
Food Supply," (historical data series, beginning in 1909) and "Cost of Food"
plans.
148. USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Regulations and Policies.
URL: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/index.asp (accessed 10/29/07) Description: "The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the
public health agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for
ensuring that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products
is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged." [Web site] In addition
to its regulatory programs, FSIS conducts tests for chemicals - including
antibiotics, sulfonamides and various other drugs, pesticides and environmental
chemicals - in meat, poultry and egg products destined for human consumption.
See: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/index.asp (accessed 10/29/07).
149. Compliance
Assistance.
URL: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Compliance_Guides_Index/ index.asp (accessed 10/29/07) Description: Regulations and compliance assistance related to: HACCP;
Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act; labeling; new technologies and
"Small and Very Small Outreach" (meat and poultry processing) issues. Tools
include "Interactive Knowledge Exchange, "an index to compliance guides and
access to information about Federal and State Inspection Programs.
151. Food
Standards and Labeling Policy Book.
2005. 202p.
Full text: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/larc/Policies/ Labeling_Policy_Book_082005.pdf (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "The Policy Book is intended to be guidance to help
manufacturers and prepare product labels that are truthful and not misleading."
[Introduction]
153. Meat,
Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory.
2007.
URL: http://www.nasda.org/nasda/nasda/foundation/state/states.htm (accessed 6/3/08) Description: Available in 2 formats: alphabetically by establishment
name and numerically by establishment number.
157. U.S. Federal Trade Commission
(FTC).
Homepage: http://www.ftc.gov/ (accessed
10/29/07) Description: FTC is "the only federal agency with both consumer
protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy. The
FTC pursues vigorous and effective law enforcement; advances consumers’
interests by sharing its expertise with federal and state legislatures and U.S. and international government agencies; develops policy and research tools through
hearings, workshops, and conferences; and creates practical and plain-language
educational programs for consumers and businesses in a global marketplace with
constantly changing technologies." [Web site]
158. Advertising
Guidance.
URL: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/guides.shtm (accessed 10/30/07) Description: Access information about general advertising, advertising
substantiation and food advertising, as well as "FTC Guides for the Use of
Environmental Market Claims (Green Guides)."
159. Consumer
Protection.
URL: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/index.shtml (accessed 10/30/07) Description: Pages under "Business Information" and "Resources" include:
Advertising Guidance; Complying with the Environmental Marketing Guides;
Frequently Asked Advertising Questions; Environmental Marketing Claims;
Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool
Acts; The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act; Weight Loss Advertising; and
Alcohol.
160. Enforcement
Policy Statement on Food Advertising.
May, 1994.
URL: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/policystmt/ad-food.shtm (accessed 10/29/07) Description: Focus on nutrient content and health claims.
163. U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA).
Contact: FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville MD 20857; 888-INFO-FDA
(1-888-463-6332) (toll free).
Homepage: http://www.fda.gov (accessed
10/30/07) Description: "FDA is the federal agency responsible for ensuring that
foods are safe, wholesome and sanitary; human and veterinary drugs, biological
products, and medical devices are safe and effective; cosmetics are safe; and
electronic products that emit radiation are safe. FDA also ensures that these
products are honestly, accurately and informatively represented to the public."
[Web site] This includes food labeling and safety of all food products (except
meat and poultry) and bottled water, as well as livestock feeds, pet foods and
veterinary drugs and devices.
164. Laws
Enforced by the FDA and Related Statutes.
URL: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/ (accessed 10/30/07) Description: Links to original text and significant amendments for the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and many other related statutes.
166. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
Homepage: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/list.html (accessed 10/30/07) Description: "CFSAN is one of six product-oriented centers, in addition
to a nationwide field force, that carry out the mission of the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA)... It is responsible for promoting and protecting the
public’s health by ensuring that the nation’s food supply is safe, sanitary,
wholesome, and honestly labeled, and that cosmetic products are safe and
properly labeled." [Web site]
167. Food and Cosmetic Guidance Documents.
URL: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/guidance.html (accessed 10/30/07) Description: Comprehensive directory of online documents in twenty
categories including Chemical and Pesticide Contaminants, Food Labeling, Food
Processing, Retail Food Protection and Small Entity Compliance Guides.
168. Food
Labeling and Nutrition.
URL: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/label.html (accessed 10/30/07) Description: Resources under "Information for Industry" include Food
Labeling Guidance and Regulations; Compliance and Warning Letters; Food Label
Surveys; Inspections, Compliance, Enforcement, Warnings and Recalls; as well as
information about other Federal agency activities and how to request
information.
169. Guidance
for Industry: Voluntary Labeling Indicating Whether Foods Have or Have not Been
Developed Using Bioengineering (Draft Guidance).
January, 2001.
URL: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/biolabgu.html (accessed 10/30/07)
170. Public
Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 - Prior
Notice of Imported Foods.
URL: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/pnoview.html (accessed 10/30/07) Description: "In 2002 Congress passed the Bioterrorism Act as a part of
its ongoing effort to combat terrorism - in this instance, by reducing the
ability for international terrorists to carry out terrorist attacks in the U.S.
by contaminating imported foods. The Act requires that FDA receive prior
notice before food is imported or offered for import into the United States. Advance notice of import shipments allows FDA, with the support of the Bureau of
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to target import inspections more effectively
and help protect the nation’s food supply against terrorist acts and other
public health emergencies." [Web site] Overview and background.
171. Public
Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 -
Registration of Food Facilities.
URL: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/pnoview.html (accessed 10/30/07) Description: "The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness
and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act) requires domestic and foreign
facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for human or animal
consumption in the United States to register with the FDA " [Web site]
172. Information
about Food Allergens.
URL: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/wh-alrgy.html (accessed 11/27/07) Description: Site includes full text for and information about the Food
Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (Title II of Public
Law 108-282).
General State Food-related Labeling and Regulatory
Programs and Information
Municipal, county and
regional jurisdictions may have additional regulations that require attention
by agricultural and food marketers.
173. State and Local Governments, Food
Laws and Regulations Division.
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
URL: http://www.ift.org/divisions/food_law/jump_loc.htm (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Directory and links to general government resources
including FindLaw Internet Legal Resources - State resources; Municipal Code
Corporation, National Association of State Information Resources Executives;
National Conference of State Legislatures, Stateline from Pew Center on the
States and State, and Local Government Directory from the Library of Congress.
174. FoodSafety.Gov: Government Agencies.
URL: http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/fsggov.html (accessed 10/31/07) Description: State and local government entities and links.
175. FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs Directory
of State and Local Officials - 2006 Edition.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
URL: http://www.fda.gov/ora/fed_state/directorytable.htm (accessed 10/31/07)
176. "State Agriculture Departments."
In State and Local Government on the Net: A Directory of Official State, County, and City Government Web Sites.
URL: http://www.statelocalgov.net/50states-agriculture.cfm (accessed 10/31/07)
177. State and National Partners:
Directory of State/Territorial Land-Grant Universities and Cooperative
Extension Programs.
USDA, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES).
URL: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/qlinks/partners/state_partners.html (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Clickable map provides links to the land-grant institutions
and their key constituent units, most notably state Cooperative Extension
Services.
Concerns about food
safety, in both conventional and organic agriculture, have gained urgency in
recent years. A thorough knowledge of practices for the safe handling of fresh
and processed foods including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control
Point), and familiarity with food safety regulations pertaining to the marketing and sale of agricultural products
are essential.
178. The Federal Food Safety System: A Primer,
by Geoffrey S. Becker and Donna V. Porter.
Congressional Research Service, 2007.
Full text as posted by the National Agricultural Law Center: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RS22600.pdf (accessed 10/30/07) Description: "Numerous federal, state, and local agencies share
responsibilities for regulating the safety of the U.S. food supply, which many
experts say is among the safest in the world... This report provides a brief
introduction to the system and the debate on whether reorganization is needed."
[Summary]
179. Food Safety.
(Reading Room) National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law.
URL: http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/foodsafety/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: "Regulating food safety in the United States is complex.
This complexity is due largely to the historical division of food safety
responsibility amongst different federal agencies and to evolving public
attitudes towards the safety of food and concern about the changing nature of
foodborne illnesses. Although this overview focuses on federal regulation of
food safety, it is important to note that state regulatory agencies also play
an important role in food safety regulation, primarily with food sanitation and
safe food handling by food retailers, foodservice providers, and food-vending
operations." [Web site]
180. Food Safety: A Team Approach.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 1998.
URL: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/foodteam.html (accessed 10/24/07) Description: Lists individual federal agencies that provide ongoing food
monitoring, their duties and how they work together.
182. FoodSafety.Gov: Gateway to Government Food
Safety Information.
Homepage: http://www.foodsafety.gov/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Information and links to government programs under National
Food Safety Programs; Industry Assistance; and Government Agencies - a
directory of federal, state and international agencies.
183. Industry
Assistance.
URL: http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/fsgind.html (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Covers information sources related Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Point (HACCP); retail and food service; pesticides and other
chemical contaminants; produce; eggs; food allergies; and miscellaneous topics.
184. Food Safety Information Center (FSIC).
USDA, National Agricultural Library (NAL).
Homepage: http://foodsafety.nal.usda.gov/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Center provides food safety information to educators,
industry, researchers and the general public on a variety of food safety
topics. It includes the Food Safety Research Information Office (FSRIO) that
focuses on providing information and reference services to the research
community: http://fsrio.nal.usda.gov/ (accessed 10/31/07).
185. Food Safety Briefing Room.
USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS).
URL: http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/FoodSafety/ (accessed 10/31/07) Description: Economic issues related to food safety: "Economic Costs of
Foodborne Illnesses;" "Private Market Mechanisms and Government Regulation;"
"Consumer Demand and the Value of Safe Food;" "Labeling and Traceability."
186. Agriculture: Food Safety (EPA).
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/tfsy.html (accessed 10/30/07) Description: Site maintains "regularly updated guidance on legal
requirements, sources of assistance in meeting those requirements, and
information about some of the latest research and technology available to
support food producers, processors, and marketers in their efforts to maintain
and improve the nation’s food supply." [Web site] Topics include: Food
Bioterrorism Regulation; Pesticide Residues in Food; Strategy To Prevent
Foodborne Disease.
187. Growing Sprouts in Retail Food
Establishments: CFP Issues 02-III-01 and 04-III-012.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2004.
URL: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/sprouret.html (accessed 10/31/07)
188. Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety
Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 1998.
Full text: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/prodguid.html (accessed 10/30/07) Description: Covers water applications; manure and municipal biosolids;
worker health and hygiene; sanitation facilities; field sanitation; packing
facility sanitation; transportation and traceback procedures. An abbreviated
version of this guide is available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/prodglan.html (accessed 10/30/07)
189. State HACCP Contacts and Coordinators.
USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
URL: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Contact_Us/State_HACCP_Contacts_&_Coordinators/ index.asp (accessed 11/27/07) Description: "HACCP [Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point]
Contacts and Coordinators provide technical advice, assistance, resources and
conduct activities to support HACCP implementation in small and very small
plants. The Contact is generally the State meat and poultry program director or
another representative of the State government. Coordinators are affiliated
with Universities and provide additional one-on-one advice and assistance to
small and very small plants. Coordinators also develop and provide training and
HACCP seminars." [Web site]
2002 Farm Bill: ERS Analysis: Organic Agriculture Provisions 56
About Organic 57
Accredited Certifying Agents 5
Accredited State Departments of Agriculture 35
Advertising Guidance (FTC) 158
Agricultural Biotechnology and Organic Agriculture: National Organic Standards, Labeling and Second-Generation of GM Products 58
Agricultural Standards: The Shape of the Global Food and Fiber System 59
Agriculture: Food Safety (EPA) 186
Agriculture: Organic Farming (EPA) 25
Alcohol Beverages Labeled with Organic Claims 27
American Grassfed Association 39
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Peer Evaluation Report and NOP Response 14
American Organic Standards 40
Analysis of the Decision on January 26, 2005, by U.S. Court of Appeals for First Circuit, Boston Massachusetts, in Case of Arthur Harvey v. Ann Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture, No. 04-1379 66
Appetite for Change: How the Counterculture Took on the Food Industry 60
Basic Provisions, Federal Crop Insurance Reform, Insurance Implementation, Regulations for the 1999 and Subsequent Reinsurance Years; Group Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations for the 2001 and Succeeding Crop Years; and the Common Crop Insurance Regulation 29
Building Trust in Organics: A Guide to Setting Up Organic Certification Programmes 61
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) 166
Cert ID Non GMO Standard 41
Certified Humane Raised and Handled 42
Certified Naturally Grown 43
Cloning Recommendation 19
Code of Federal Regulations, Part 101 - Food Labeling. Title 21 - Food and Drugs, Chapter I - Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services 128
Commercial Transactions 116
Comparative Analysis of the United States National Organic Program (7 CFR 205) and the European Union Organic Legislation (EEC 2092/91) and Amendments 62
Compliance Assistance (FSIS) 149
Congressional Caucus on Organic Agriculture 31
Consumer Preferences for Organic Standards: Does the Final Rule Reflect Them? 63
Consumer Protection (FTC) 159
Conventional Stores Go Organic 64
Cost Share Program 9
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) 117
Country of Origin Labeling 136
Court Finds in Favor of USDA in Organic Case 12
Davis Fresh Pro-Safe Certification Program 44
Demeter Certified Biodynamic® 45
Differing Organic Standards Impede International Trade, Report 65
Enforcement Policy Statement on Food Advertising 160
Environmental Laws Affecting State Agriculture 33
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Agriculture 24
Fair Trade Certified 46
Farmer's Pledge 47
FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs Directory of State and Local Officials - 2006 Edition 175
Federal Court Requires Stricter Organic Rules on Synthetics, Non-Organic Ingredients, and Dairy Feed 66
The Federal Food Safety System: A Primer 178
Federal Regulation of Organic Food: A Research Guide for Legal Practitioners and Food Industry Professionals 67
Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) 143
Fish-Eye Lens Frames Wild and Organic Debate 68
Food Alliance Certified 48
Food and Cosmetic Guidance Documents 167
Food Labeling and Nutrition 168
Food Labeling Compliance Review 127
Food Labeling Fact Sheets 150
Food Labeling 118
Food Law and Regulations 122
Food Law Org 123
Food Laws and Regulations 124
Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996 129
Food Safety 179
Food Safety: A Team Approach 180
Food Safety Briefing Room 185
Food Safety Information Center (FSIC) 184
Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book 151
Foodsafety.Gov: Gateway to Government Food Safety Information 182
Foodsafety.Gov: Government Agencies 174
Frequently Asked Questions - Organic Alcohol 28
Fresh Produce Audit Verification Program 137
FTC Models Advertising Policy on FDA Food Labeling Standards 161
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) 49
Grass Fed Marketing Claim Standards 139
Greener Choices: Eco-Label Center 38
Growing Sprouts in Retail Food Establishments: CFP Issues 02-III-01 and 04-III-012 187
Guidance Documents: Textile, Wool, Fur Apparel, Leather 162
Guidance for Industry: Voluntary Labeling Indicating Whether Foods Have or Have Not Been Developed Using Bioengineering (Draft Guidance) 169
Guide to Food Laws and Regulations 126
Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 188
House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture 32
How the Media Missed the Organic Story 69
How to Add Oomph to ‘Organic’ 70
Implications of Organic Certification for Market Structure and Trade 71
Improving the Safety and Quality of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A Training Manual for Trainers, Section IV 124
Industry Assistance (FoodSafety.gov) 183
Information about Food Allergens 172
International Harmonisation of Organic Standards and Guarantee Systems 72
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 50
IPM [Integrated Pest Management] Product and Service Recognition Programs and Information 53
ISO 65: Agriculture 51
ISO 67: Food Technology 52
It's a Natural 73
Johanns Offers $1 Million to Defray Costs of Organic Certification for Producers in 15 States 10
Key Points about Regulations 74
The Kosher and Halal Food Laws 131
Labeling of Pesticide Products under the National Organic Program 26
Laws Enforced by the FDA and Related Statutes 130
Laws Enforced by the FDA and Related Statutes 164
A Legal Guide to the National Organic Program 75
The Legal Lowdown on the Organic Rule 76
Livestock and Seed Auditing Services (AMS) 142
Livestock and Seed Program 138
Market News and Transportation Data 135
Market-Led Growth vs. Government-Facilitated Growth: Development of the U.S. and EU Organic Agricultural Sectors 77
Marketing Orders 119
Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms (Glossary) 152
Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory 153
Memorandum to All USDA Accredited Certifying Agents: Certification of Agricultural Products That Meet NOP Standards 13
National Animal Identification System (NAIS) 145
National List Information 6
National Organic Directory 37
National Organic Program 22
National Organic Program Background 78
National Organic Program: Background Information 79
National Organic Program (NOP) 1
The National Organic Program (NOP): What Agricultural Professionals Need to Know 80
National Organic Program Regulatory Text 2
National Organic Program, Sunset Review (Federal Register Notice) 15
National Organic Rules Backgrounder: Implementing the Organic Foods Production Act 81
National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) 18
Naturally Raised Marketing Claims 140
Navigating the Health Claim Maze 132
New Complaint Places Organic Fraud in Spotlight Again 82
NOP and NOSB Collaboration on Grower Group Certifications 17
NOP Collaborate with NOSB on Organic Grower Group Certification 83
NOP Reading Room 3
NOSB Debates Organic Seafood 84
NSF International 54
Organic Agriculture: A Global Perspective 95
Organic Agriculture: Sustainability Markets and Policies, OECD Workshop on Organic Agriculture, Washington DC, September 23-24 72, 103
Organic Aquaculture Symposium 20
Organic Dilemma: What Rules Personal Care? 85
Organic Exemption: Exemption of Organic Handlers from Assessments for Market Promotion Activities under Marketing Order Programs 11
Organic Farming Compliance Handbook: A Resource Guide for Western Region Agricultural Professionals 78, 80
Organic Farming Practices: 2007 Insurance Fact Sheet 30
Organic Food 86
Organic Foods and the USDA National Organic Program 87
Organic Foods Production Act Backgrounder 88
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) 21
Organic Grapes, Organic Wine: The Harvest is Bountiful, but the Labeling Controversy is Still Fermenting 89
Organic, Inc.: Natural Foods and How They Grew 90
Organic Industry Roots Run Deep 91
Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) 23
‘Organic’ Milk Needs a Pasture 92
Organic Personal Care Update 93
Organic Producers and Marketers Exempted from Commodity Promotion Assessments 94
Organic Standards and Certification 95
Organic Standards: By Whom and for Whom? 96
Organic Trade Association Adopts Organic Fiber Processing Standards 97
Organic ‘Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations’ – A Thing of the Past? 98
Organics...Misbranding and Misrepresentation under PACA...What It Means to You 99
Packaging Materials 154
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
(PACA) 120
Personal Care Task Force Fact Sheet 100
Production Contracts 121
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 - Prior Notice of Imported Foods 170
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 - Registration of Food Facilities 171
Reading Rooms: National Agricultural Law Center 115
Regulating Organic: Impacts of the National Organic Standards on Consumer Awareness and Organic Consumption Patterns 101
Resources for Small and Very Small Plants 155
Retailers Ready for the National Organic Program 102
The Role of Government Standards and Market Facilitation 103
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) 55
Should There Be a Limit on the Size of Organic Farms? 104
Small Business Guide to FDA 165
Socio-Economic Aspects of Animal Health and Food Safety in Organic Farming Systems. Proceedings of the 1st SAFO Workshop, Florence, Italy, 5-7 September 2003 96
Sociological Perspectives of Organic Agriculture: From Pioneer to Policy 105
State Agriculture Departments 176
State and Local Government on the Net: A Directory of Official State, County, and City Government Web Sites 176
State and Local Governments, Food Laws and Regulations Division 173
State and National Partners: Directory of State/Territorial Land-Grant Universities and Cooperative Extension Programs 177
State-Centered versus Nonstate-Driven Organic Food Standardization: A Comparison of the U.S. and Sweden 106
State Contacts (NOP) 36
State HACCP Contacts and Coordinators 189
State Marketing Profiles 34
Summaries of State Organic Laws/States without Organic Laws 37
Transforming Organic Agriculture into Industrial Organic Products: Reconsidering National Organic Standards 107
U.S. Congress Backs Organic Wild Fish Label; Stevens Adds Rider to War Spending Bill 108
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 157
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 163
U.S. Has Huge Appetite for Organic Food: Industry 109
United States Food Law Update 125
United States Food Safety System 181
USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 133
USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Nutrient Data Laboratory 146
USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 144
USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion 147
USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Regulations and Policies 148
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 156
USDA Publishes Amendments to List of Substances Used in Organic Handling 16
USDA Publishes Final Rule to Revise NOP Regulations/Q&A’s on _Harvey v. Johanns_ (Harvey) Final Regulation 110
USDA Relents on Scope of National Organic Program: "Organic Agricultural Product Content" Qualifies Products for Organic Labeling 111
Variation in Organic Standards Prior to the National Organic Program 112
Veneman Marks Implementation of USDA National Organic Standards 113
Baker, Brian 78,
Becker, Geoffrey S. 178
Belasco, Warren James 60
Bingen, Jim 59
Bostrëm, Magnus 106
Bowen, Diana 72
Brienza, Susan D. 76
Budgar, Laurie 64
Busch, Lawrence 59
Campbell, Elizabeth J. 127
Caswell, Julie A. 112
Chaney, David 80, 78
Chaudry, M.M. 131
Clute, Mitchell 68, 84, 85
Conner, David S. 63
Courville, Sasha 95
Curtis, Patricia A 126
DeLind, Laura G. 107
Dimitri, Carolyn 77
Duber-Smith, Darrin C. 93
Rawson, Jean M. 87
Reed, Matthew 105
Reganold, John 95
Regenstein, C.E. 131
Regenstein, J.M. 131
Roberts, Michael T. 125
Robinson, Barbara 17
Rundgren, Gunnar 61
Strochlic, Ron 101
Summers, James L. 127
Sustainable Strategies Advisors in Food and Agriculture 62
Swezey, Sean L. 78, 80
About the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
The Alternative Farming Systems Information
Center (AFSIC) specializes in locating and accessing information related to
many aspects of sustainable and alternative agriculture, crops and livestock -
sustainable and organic crop and livestock farming systems; renewable farm
energy options; alternative marketing practices; crop and livestock diversification
including aquaculture, exotic and heritage farm animals, alternative and
specialty crops, new uses for traditional crops, and crops grown for industrial
production; and small farm issues.
AFSIC was founded in 1985 and is an integral
part of the National Agricultural Library (NAL) in Beltsville, Maryland. The Center is supported, in part, by USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and
Education (SARE) program, and a cooperative agreement with the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. NAL is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
A current list of AFSIC information products
and full-text publications are available electronically on the AFSIC Web site.
Recent publications are also available, on request, in hard copy.
