Dennis Kucinich: “the Kucinich Organic Food Amendment strikes $1 of salary from the Secretary's office to raise an objection to the…”

“the Kucinich Organic Food Amendment strikes $1 of salary from the Secretary's office to raise an objection to the removal of consumer public interest representation from the National Organic Standards Board. What is organic food? Organic food is produced in a sustainable manner without pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. Organic food production improves the environment and delivers a safe food to our children. Our fields and streams are relied upon to grow our food; therefore, we must protect these assets with a sustainable agricultural system. Organic food has proven itself commercially viable. It is a multi- billion dollar industry. It has improved the sustainability of our agricultural system. But organic foods cannot be distinguished by how they look, taste, or smell. Consumers can only rely on an organic label. Consumers need to trust that label if they are going to pay the premium for organic food. The National Organic Standards Board was formed in 1990 as part of the 1990 farm bill's Organic Food Production Act. Its 15 members are meant to assist the Secretary of Agriculture in developing organic food standards. Members have 5-year terms and the board is comprised of four farmers/growers; two handlers/processors; one retailer; one scientist; three consumer public advocates; three environmentalists; and one certifying agent who sits on various committees.…”