ARS | Publication request: GOING ORGANIC: WHAT TO EXPECT?

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 20, 2003
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The organic market has seen a 20% sustained annual growth since the 1990s. In October 2002, the USDA has implemented the National Organic Program to standardize organic production standards across the United States. The National Organic Standards are also similar to international standards to facilitate trade between producing countries. This 30-min. talk presents all the points in the National Organic Standards that a processor should think of and abide to if he/she wants to process organically grown food. It is presented with a parallel to the principle of HACCP, hazard analysis critical control points. Important points to consider are: ingredients, process, receiving and storage, cleaning and sanitation, pest management, and paper trail. Examples and useful web sites are given.