AMS Release No. 009-03

Joan Shaffer (202) 720-8998

Joan.shaffer@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2003 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued a proposed rule that will amend USDA's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The amendments reflect recommendations submitted by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from June 6, 2000, through October 20, 2002.

The proposed rule adds 10 substances to the National List, revises the annotations of two substances and makes technical revisions to clarify specific sections of the National List and to reflect previous NOSB recommendations. The proposed rule also invites public comment on the use of ethylene in organic crop production.

The National List, which is part of the National Organic Standards, is developed by the NOSB in consultation with outside experts. The National List identifies substances that are allowed and prohibited in organic production and handling operations. Specifically, these are permitted synthetic substances and prohibited nonsynthetic substances under the National Organic Program.

The proposed rule will appear in the Federal Register on April16, 2003. Public comments must be received by April 28, 2003.

Interested persons may comment on the proposed rule:

By mail to Richard H. Mathews, Program Manager, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, Room 4008-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250.

Electronically to National.List@usda.gov.

By fax 202-205-7808.

Written comments should be identified with the docket number TMD-02-03. Those commenting should identify the topic and section number to which the comment refers, clearly state the reason for the comment, recommend language changes if appropriate, and include articles or other references that lend support to the comment.

All comments to the proposed rule will be made available for viewing on the National Organic Program homepage at www.ams.usda.gov/nop or in person at USDA-AMS, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Room 4008-South Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (except official Federal holidays). Persons wishing to visit the USDA South Building to view comments received in response to this proposed rule are requested to make an appointment in advance by calling (202) 720-3252.

For further information contact Toni A. Strother, Agricultural Marketing Specialist; Telephone: 202-720-3252; or fax: (202) 205-7808.