Rick Allen: “I voted for the 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Conference Committee because it funds programs important to Maine and…”

“I voted for the 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Conference Committee because it funds programs important to Maine and the Nation. However, I oppose Sec. 797 because it amends the definition of organic food without a Congressional hearing or agreement by the National Organic Standards Board. On January 26, 2005, the First Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in Harvey v. Veneman, a lawsuit brought by Arthur Harvey, an organic blueberry farmer from Maine with operations in Hartford and Buckfield, against the Secretary of Agriculture. Harvey claimed that several provisions of the USDA's National Organic Regulations were in conflict with the Organic Foods Production Act. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maine issued its Consent Final Judgment and Order on June 9, 2005. The court ruled in Harvey's favor on three counts. Specifically, the court found that existing regulations allowing the use of synthetic substances in the handling and processing of products labeled with the USDA ``Organic'' label and seal are contrary to the intent and language of the OFPA. This final judgment requires USDA to develop new rules within one year. It also allows producers, handlers, and processors to operate and sell products under the old rules until June 2007. Regulatory changes are a viable means to resolve the inconsistencies between the law (OFPA) and the National Organic Program regulations.…”