[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN DEFENSE OF ORGANIC STANDARDS

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the USDA on 
its decision to revise the proposed rule on national organic standards.
  On December 16, 1997, the USDA published a proposed rule for national 
organic standards that would have undermined some of the basic tenets 
of organic farming. USDA wisely requested comment from the public on 
its proposal. The organic industry instantly mobilized and circled its 
wagons around the widely accepted, although uncodified, standards that 
the industry has been following for decades. Organic farmers and 
consumers wanted to protect the standards behind the label they trust.
  The USDA received 200,000 comments on its proposed rule, largely 
because of the efforts of organic farmers, consumer advocates, and 
industry groups which publicized the holes in the rule and urged people 
to voice their concerns. I applaud the efforts of those who have worked 
to protect the integrity of the organic label. I would like to thank 
Rep. DeFazio for organizing a letter to Secretary Glickman urging him 
to work with the organic industry to bring the rule more into line with 
current standards and consumer preferences. And I commend the thirty-
five of my colleagues who signed the letter.
  Finally, I congratulate Secretary Glickman on his decision to revise 
the proposed rule. In a press release dated May 8, Secretary Glickman 
noted that ``If organic farmers and consumers reject our national 
standards, we have failed.'' I couldn't agree more. Consumer 
expectations and preferences have driven the organic market to where it 
is today, earning over $3 billion in sales. Strict organic standards 
that reinforce current practices and promote consumer preferences will 
help the market grow even more.
  I look forward to reviewing the revised proposal from USDA and to 
working with my colleagues and the organic industry to ensure that our 
national organic standards are meaningful and conform to consumer 
expectations.

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