Federal organic rules become effective

February 20, 2001
Web posted at: 2:29 p.m. EST (1929 GMT)

(CNN) -- Federal rules governing organic food products went into effect Tuesday after more than 10 years in the formulation stages.

The Organic Foods Production Act was passed as part of the 1990 Farm Bill, but an initial proposal was substantially reworked after extraordinary public comment was received.

"These are the strictest, most comprehensive organic standards in the world," U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman said in announcing the final rule, which was published in the Federal Register on December 21. Farmers and livestock producers have a maximum of 18 months to comply if they want to certify their products as organic.

MORE Get a detailed look at the organic standards     ALSO Read the organics regulations on the National Organic Program Web site     MESSAGE BOARD Are the new organic standards a positive development?

The rules govern all aspects of organic food production, from seed selection to the nurturing of plants, harvest and preparation. In addition, the government has specified rules for the labeling and marketing of organic products.

"These new standards are a win for both farmers and consumers," Glickman said in December. "For farmers, the standards create clear guidelines for how to take advantage of the exploding demand for organic products. For consumers, the organic standards offer another choice in the marketplace."

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