USDA Drops New Organic Rules

WASHINGTON —  The U.S. Department of Agriculture is dropping new organic food guidelines that allowed limited use of pesticides and antibiotics and drew criticism from some consumer groups and organic farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the action Wednesday after critics said the guidelines made the organic label seem less meaningful. The department’s Agricultural Marketing Service, which oversees the guidelines, will work with industry representatives to clarify the standards, she said.

In a telephone briefing, Veneman said the guidelines had stirred “a tremendous amount” of interest and concern.

Her announcement was met with approval by the Organic Trade Assn., an industry group.

“This is actually fantastic news. I have to say I’m very surprised,” Katherine DiMatteo, the group’s executive director, said Wednesday. “We didn’t think the secretary would take action either this quickly or make a move to rescind all of them, but it’s exactly what we wanted.”

Organic supporters have said they were concerned that the new guidelines and enforcement directives created loopholes in the national organic standards, which became law in October 2002 after 12 years of debate.

The rules would have allowed producers to use pesticides that may contain inert chemical ingredients if a “reasonable effort” cannot determine what the ingredients are.

They also would have allowed milk from cows treated with antibiotics to be sold under the department’s organic seal as long as the animal did not receive antibiotics for 12 months.

Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), who was a key supporter of an organic labeling program, said it was welcome news that “the secretary has decided to follow the law and to consult with the National Organic Standards Board.” The board recommends policy to the department.

USDA spokeswoman Julie Quick said the department’s National Organic Program, which oversees organic certification, would work with the National Organic Standards Board and other industry officials.

Asked if the guidelines were dead, Quick said that would depend on the outcome of discussions between the department, the board and the industry.

Consumer and organic groups have said the department should have checked with the board before issuing new guidelines.

Jim Riddle, chairman of the National Organic Standards Board, called the department’s decision to hear from the board “refreshing.” The agency often has ignored the board’s recommendations, he said.

Riddle said the board might make new recommendations on the guidelines at its mid-October meeting in Washington.