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Comment Period Extended for Proposed Organic Rule

New deadline is April 30.


To make online comments to USDA about the rule and for links to commentary on the issues, see For more information below.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 1998 [USDA news release] -- Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today extended for an additional 45 days the public comment period for USDA's proposed regulation establishing national organic standards. Glickman strongly encouraged the public to participate in the rulemaking process and submit comments during this extended period. Glickman also committed the Department to provide the opportunity for additional participation after all comments are reviewed.

"USDA takes the public's role in rulemaking very seriously," said Glickman. "We have already received over 4,000 comments on the proposed rule, including many requests for an extension of the comment period. Given the complexity and importance of the organic standard proposal, we are extending the comment period to provide an opportunity for even greater public participation."

In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on February 9, 1998, the comment period will be extended for 45 days and will now close on April 30, 1998. "This extension is part of USDA's continuing effort to ensure an open process and is an example of how USDA is responsive to public input into the rulemaking," Glickman said.

Regarding some of the concerns that have been raised about the proposed rule, Glickman added, "I want to emphasize that this is only a proposal. This is not the final rule and should not be read to reflect how USDA will finally resolve the many difficult issues involved."

"We want everyone to participate fully in this process and to give us their thoughts and recommendations for making improvements in the proposal," Glickman said. "Our goal is to develop a final rule that the organic community and all the public can embrace."

Glickman also noted that the Department is not proposing to allow the use of genetically engineered organisms, irradiation, or bio-solids. Instead, the proposal simply asks for comment on whether they should be included or not under the organic standards.

Last week, the Department announced that there will be public meetings on the proposal on February 12, 1998, in Austin, Texas; February 18, in Ames, Iowa; February 26, in Seattle, Washington; and March 5, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. For the first time, USDA is using the Internet to accept comments and make them available to the public. Comments may be submitted or reviewed via the Internet at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop or may be submitted in writing to Eileen S. Stommes, Deputy Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 4007-S, Ag Stop 0275, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456.

Source: Glickman Extends Comment Period, Encourages Public Participation in Organic Standards Rulemaking -- USDA new release

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