State certifies organic growers

Montana producers of organic goods can have their products state-certified
for the first time.

Agriculture industry officials say the new Montana Organic Certification
Program will offer a national definition of the term organic and expand
opportunities in the growing organic market. Organic products are as varied
as beef, wheat and cosmetics.

By JO DEE BLACK
Tribune Staff Writer

Previously, the only certification programs for Montana’s organic producers
were through private organizations.

Andre Giles, owner of Montana Flour and Grains in Fort Benton, said until
now organic certification relied on a hodgepodge of standards. Giles’
business handles organic grain.

"I think the new state program will reassure end users (about organic
products)," Giles said.

Montana’s program is accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, so
certified producers will be able to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
organic seal on fresh and processed products.

In addition, a seal is being developed for the new Montana program.

"We think with is an opportunity to promote the image of Montana on
organic products," said Bob Quinn, a Big Sandy farmer who produces
organic wheat, barley, lentils and other grains.

The state program will be administered by the Montana Department of
Agriculture. Its formation was set in motion by the 1999 Legislature, which
passed a law which stated if 51 percent of the Montana’s organic
producers wanted state certification, the process could start.

A volunteer advisory committee worked with Montana Department of Ag
personnel to develop the program and previewed the plan at seven
meetings around the state in April and May.

Now the Montana Organic Certification Program is in the process of
adopting administrative rules and is seeking public comment.

Quinn said the state-run program can be tailored to fit the needs of
Montana producers. For instance, most organic-certification programs have
guidelines requiring producers to take steps to build soil nutrients. One
guideline requires planting "green manure" crops, such as peas or alfalfa,
which release nitrogen into the soil. The crop isn’t harvested, but plowed
back into the soil instead.

But Quinn said drought conditions have prevented a green manure crop
from being planted in many areas of Montana.

"The state program will be able to work with extreme conditions at the
local level better than a national or international program," Quinn said.

The new standard will also help clamp down on misleading uses of the
term organic.

Anyone claiming to be certified with the Montana Organic Program, but
who violates the standards, can be fined up to $10,000 per violation, said
director Doug Crabtree.

The organic niche is a growing segment in the agriculture market, Crabtree
added. During the last two decades, the industry has grown 10 to 30
percent a year. It’s a $20 billion industry, with half of the market in the
United States, he said.

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20020622/localnews/80514.html