State 1 of 10 to certify organic foods

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has selected Montana and nine
other states to certify organic foods.
The new organic offer a national definition of the term “organic,” and allow certified
growers and handlers to use the USDA organic seal on fresh and processed products.

By the AP Helena IR

“Accreditation by the USDA shows we are headed in the right direction,” said Ralph
Peck, director of the Montana Department of Agriculture.
Once the plan is approved by growers, the department expects to begin certification
efforts in June. Site visits will then be conducted by the USDA to verify compliance and
complete the accreditation process.

Organic foods are grown by farmers who use renewable resources and conserve soil and
water. The foods are generally grown without using pesticides.
The new program requires all organic food products to originate from farms or
operations that have been certified by a state or private agency accredited by the
USDA.

Other states approved for certifying organic foods include Iowa, Idaho, Maryland, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
State agency personnel held informational meetings around Montana during the past
two weeks to introduce the program and key personnel, and to discuss the process for
establishing a statewide fee-based certification program.