August 24, 2006

 

USDA close to approving 13 substances for organic beef producers

 

 

The USDA's National Organic Programme has proposed rule changes to allow thirteen new materials to the "National List" of approved substances for organic producers to treat illnesses in animals and is accepting public comments through Sep 15, the USDA announced Thursday (Aug 24). 

 

The Cornucopia Institute, an active organic organisation, welcomed the USDA's move.

 

However, the six years that the USDA had taken to act on the recommendations of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was too long a wait, said Amy Kenyon, Farm Policy Analyst at the institute.

 

Moreover, the USDA has ignored requests for restrictive measures on some of the more potent medications. The USDA also rejected recommendations to approve the use of simple substances such as mineral oil, the institute said.

 

The Cornucopia Institute is disseminating information and analysis about the proposed rule changes to organic farmers, consumers and public interest groups. 

 

The proposed draft rule would amend the National List of approved substances in organic food and farming to reflect some of the recommendations submitted.

 

Some of the recommended substances are already in use in simple human medicines.

 

Jim Riddle, former chairman of the NOSB stressed that the recommended materials are not added to organic meat but are health care materials, used only when needed to prevent suffering and for documented health care necessity.

 

The recommended materials meet the evaluation criteria of the Organic Foods Production Act, the federal law governing organic food, and are important tools for organic farmers seeking to care for their animals and run a viable business at the same time, Kenyon added.

 

Remedies for common ailments are necessary for any farmer, and the slow pace of USDA's processing of their request disrespected the research work NOSB has put in before forwarding their recommendations, Kenyon noted.

 

Although demand for organic meat has been burgeoning in the last few years, farmers have been deterred from entering the market due to the lack of orgnic health care materials available. 

 

The Cornucopia Institute is also criticising the USDA's disregard for additional safety protocols recommended by the NOSB, including increasing withdrawal times and limiting the use of several of the more potent drugs.