New regulations will open markets for New Organic's organic products

Long Beach, CA. Dec. 21, 2000. National organic standards finalized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will strengthen consumer confidence in U.S. organic products both domestically and internationally, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and New Organics said today.

"For the first time, there will be consistent standards and labeling for all organic products marketed in the United States. No longer will there be questions concerning what ‘organic' stands for, or whether the process has been certified," said Katherine DiMatteo, executive director of the trade association representing all segments of the organic industry in North America.

Organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. A vital part of U.S. agriculture, organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Organic product sales have grown at least 20 percent each year since 1990, resulting in an estimated $7.76 billion in retail sales during 2000.

National organic standards will protect the integrity of the organic guarantee, and prohibit the use of irradiation, sewage sludge, or genetic engineering in anything labeled organic.

DiMatteo called USDA's regulations implementing the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 a significant milestone for the U.S. organic industry. "Not only will U.S. consumers benefit, but U.S. trading partners will have the reassurance that products certified as organic have met strict criteria and certification agents have been approved by USDA. Organic agriculture is here to stay, and will continue to contribute to the growth of family farms, to the U.S. economy, and to a safer environment worldwide," DiMatteo added. OTA, she noted, has long sought national organic standards.

"The Federal Government's approval of National Standards for Organic Certification is a further assurance to the mainstream shopper of organic's quality. The New Organics Company has always catered to the mainstream shopper and we believe this will be of significant benefit," said Anthony Zolezzi, of The New Organics Company.

The regulations, currently posted on USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service's web site ( www.ams.usda.gov/nop), are slated to appear in the Dec. 21, 2000, issue of the Federal Register.

The New Organics Company (www.neworganics.com)is a member of OTA. The mission of OTA is to encourage global sustainability through promoting and protecting the growth of diverse organic trade. Further information about national organic standards is available on OTA's web site (www.ota.com).





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