In written comments submitted June 12 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ASPP President Deborah Delmer and Committee on Public Affairs Chair Jim Siedow addressed the Department's proposed rule to establish a National Organic Program.

According to the proposed rule:

• The NOP is intended to facilitate interstate commerce and marketing of fresh and processed food that is organically produced and to assure consumers that such products meet consistent, uniform standards.
• This program will establish national standards for the production and handling of organically produced products, including a National List of substances approved and prohibited for use in organic production and handling.
• The proposal will establish a national-level accreditation program to be administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service of the Department of Agriculture for state officials and private persons who want to be accredited as certifying agents.
• The proposal includes requirements for labeling products as organic and containing organic ingredients.

ASPP's comments expressed concern about the reports of a poll conducted by International Communications Research of Media, Pennsylvania on behalf of the National Center for Public Policy Research that found the majority of the public would be misled by the proposed USDA label on organic foods.

The survey found that more than 60 percent of those surveyed would interpret a product labeled "USDA Certified Organic" to be safer, better and healthier for consumers to eat than non-organic foods.

ASPP urged the Department to take precautions to prevent any labeling of organic foods that would result in a misleading perception by consumers that organic foods are safer, better and healthier.