Title: USA removes obstacles to the growth of organic production
[PR Newswire 14 May 2013] WASHINGTON-- Speaking to member-attendees of the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) recent policy conference, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack officially recognised the unique production system covering U.S. organic agriculture, and announced guidance to remove agency obstacles to its continued growth. "Organic is not the 'same as.' It is its own separate commodity and needs to be treated as such. I'm committed to that," Secretary Vilsack told policy attendees. (See USDA's press release). He added that USDA will be providing new guidance and direction on organic production to all USDA agencies directing them to recognise the distinct nature of USDA certified organic production and organic goods, and to take into account the documentation and inspection required for organic certification when considering organic operations' eligibility for USDA programs and policies. The landmark guidance document Vilsack alluded to points out that through the National Organic Program (NOP), USDA has helped farmers and other operations create an industry now encompassing over 17,000 organic businesses in the United States and achieving $35 billion in U.S. retail sales. In fact, organic ranks fourth in U.S. food and feed crop production at farm-gate values when viewed as a distinct category. "Organic production models may provide alternative solutions to current agricultural challenges, and it is the agency's responsibility to develop diversity in research and alternatives for all producers," the guidance points out. Importantly, the guidance also establishes that agency administrators review their goals and report on actions taken towards achieving the USDA strategic goals related to organic agriculture. Organic production and commerce are bright spots in the American marketplace of innovation and entrepreneurship, and particularly can contribute to USDA's goals for rural economic development. In recognition of its potential, the 2010 USDA Strategic Plan called for an increase of 25 percent in U.S. certified organic businesses by 2015.
