If the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has its way, food now known as "organically grown" may be genetically engineered, fertilized with sewage sludge, and/or irradiated with nuclear wastes. On December 16, 1997, USDA unveiled its proposed rule to implement the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). USDA's proposed rule would legalize practices that are presently unthinkable for organic farmers. All across the country, organic farmers and advocates for organic foods have risen up in protest against USDA's proposal. If USDA prevails, the labeling of "organically grown" foods will become meaningless and consumers will no longer have confidence in the organic food industry. Citizens have until May 1, 1998, to comment on USDA's proposed rule.

USDA's proposed rule, not only fails to prohibit sewage sludge, irradiation and genetically engineered organisms in organic farming and processing, it also:

** Fails to strictly forbid animal cannibalism in organically produced animals (believed to be the leading cause of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, like "mad cow" disease).
** Fails to prohibit the use of other materials in the production and processing of organic food which have long been considered unsafe or inappropriate by the international organic community, such as piperonyl butoxide, arsenic, mono-and di-glycerides, etc.

If they became law, these broad, prohibitory regulations would force many U.S. companies and grower associations to refrain from marketing eco-labeled products that they currently produce. In short, this proposed rule does not serve the interests of either American producers or consumers. Given these disturbing developments, citizens need to take steps to protect their shopping and marketing rights. There are several things we can do.

First, Everyone can inform themselves by getting additional information about the proposed rule from various web sites. Several are listed below.

Second, every citizen can submit comments to USDA to voice their concerns about this rule. Information on how to comment and how to gain access to the rule is also noted below.

Third, we need to take steps to protect citizen rights to "boycott" foods so that we can use our shopping dollars to protect the environment. Boycotting is endangered by this proposed regulation.

We need to encourage USDA to establish a strong standard for organic food --a rule that supports farmers who are producing food ecologically and customers who choose to buy and eat that food. The existing proposal only supports agribusiness, the same industries that have brought you pesticides and genetically engineered crops.