ORGANIC FOODS

Program would certify products used in production of organic foods

THE AGENCY Idaho Department of Agriculture

THE ISSUE Businesses that want to market products to organic growers such as soil additives or medicine often face resistance, because growers aren’t sure whether they meet state and federal regulations for use organically.

WHAT’S PROPOSED Create a voluntary program so businesses marketing to organic growers and producers could receive certification that their products can be used in organic operations without a producer risking breaking any rules. State ag officials propose a $200 fee for any person with products that already bear a qualified certification from elsewhere. For anyone seeking first-time certification, the fee would be $500, followed annually by a fee based on sales of registered materials. The program is intended to reassure producers of organic goods and to help businesses market their product to organic growers.

HOW YOU CAN BE HEARD Send comments to Brandon Lamb, Organic Foods Program manager at the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Email: Brandon.Lamb@agri.idaho.gov; address: P.O. Box 790, Boise, ID 83701

TO LEARN MORE Go to page 56 of the Idaho Department of Administration’s October Administrative Bulletin at http://adminrules.idaho.gov.