Release No. AMS 267-01

Demaris Wilson (202) 720-8998

demaris.wilson@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2001 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it will continue to accept early applications for accreditation from potential organic certifying agents until Dec. 21, 2001. The extension gives applicants two additional months to submit applications to the National Organic Program (NOP) in order to be among the first round of USDA-accredited certifying agents, to be announced next April.

Also, concerns have been raised by some applicants regarding the conflict of interest provision of the NOP regulations. According to both the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 and the NOP final rule, an accredited certifying agent cannot certify its own employees, including board members or other individuals responsibly connected to the certifying agent. While the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the USDA agency that oversees the NOP, cannot waive this requirement, alternatives will be considered that clearly demonstrate that organizations have taken appropriate measures to prevent conflicts of interest. For example, organizations may want to consider alternative structures, including modifications to their bylaws, that avoid the potential for a conflict of interest.

Accreditation application forms can be downloaded at www.usda.ams.gov/nop. AMS is working on a check-sheet that will help applicants understand further what information is needed for successfully submitting an application. Updates on the check-sheet can be found at this same website. For additional help in completing the application, call NOP staff at 202-720-3252.