U.S. National Organic Program Standards: Implications for Researchers

Rosalie L. Koenig
Owner, Rosie's Organic Farm, Gainesville, FL; Member, National Organic Standards Board;
Courtesy Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology University of Florida;
Co-director, Center for Organic Agriculture, University of Florida.

Brian Baker
Research Director, Organic Materials Review Institute, Eugene, OR

Conclusion:

The United States organic industry has experienced phenomenal
growth through the past decade. In an era when many conventional
producers are facing economic hardships and approximately 35% of
farms are in economic jeopardy and government payments constituting
a substantial portion of farm income (25), organic production may offer
new economic possibilities for farmers. The development and
implementation of the USDA's National Organic Program Standards are
expected to aid in the expansion of the organic industry and the
development of research programs that address organic farmer's needs
on both regional and national levels. Organic farmers need
knowledgeable and experienced researchers to address their research
priorities using a multidisciplinary, holistic, systems approach.
Researchers need the commitment of their institutions and public and
private funding sources to provide the resources needed to carry out
long-term systems research projects. Finally, the demands and values of
consumers need to be acknowledged, respected, and reflected as a
driving force behind the continued growth and development of organic
farming.

Contact Information for Rosalie L. Koenig: E-mail rosiesfarm@mindspring.com

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