This just in from the Organic Consumers Association

Category: Organics | Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 9:11 pm

USDA PROPOSES RULE UNDERMINING ORGANICS AND SMALL FARMS

Hi,
I thought this might be of interest to you. It's from the Organic Consumers Association-
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USDA PROPOSES RULE UNDERMINING ORGANICS AND SMALL FARMS
The USDA is accepting public comments until December 3 on a new proposed rule that would force small farms growing green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce, to put into place industrial-style sterilization measures that reduce biodiversity and soil fertility. The proposal follows in the wake of the USDA's recent controversial crackdown on raw almonds, continued interference with raw milk production, and bans on the sale of locally produced organic meat directly to consumers. The proposed rules basically cover up the fact that e-coli 0157H contamination in lettuce and spinach crops comes from feedlot or industrial livestock-contaminated irrigation waters or contamination in large processing plants. The rule limits hedgerows, and other non-crop vegetation commonly found on and around small organic and sustainable farms. In addition, although every organic farmer knows that healthy soil is literally alive with multiple types of healthy bacteria, the rules also discourage the development of beneficial microbial life in the soil. Send a message to the USDA today:
Learn more and take action: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_8679.cfm

Last edited: Fri Nov 30, 2007 9:12 pm

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toni wrote on Sat Dec 01, 2007 5:11 am:

Do a google search for AMS-FV-07-00909 ..this is the Docket ID as mentioned at the link you provided.

This is totally and only concerning the cleaning of leafy greens under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement of 1937, there is nothing in it that involves hedgerows or soil fertility.
An Agreement gives the farmer the opportunity to voluntarily agree to follow the guidelines, it is not a law.

They are soliciting comments and suggestions for ideas concerning how to properly clean leafy greens to prevent another ecoli outbreak in the future.
It is asking for ideas on how to form committees for overseeing this process. Which leafy greens should be included in this process. Should only certain areas, states or regions be included or possibly the whole country.

And as stated in the document....
"This request for public comment does not constitute
notification that the agreement described in this document is or will
be proposed or adopted."