Darlene Hooley: “Under existing regulations, the Federal Government recognizes organic agricultural products as different from those…”

“Under existing regulations, the Federal Government recognizes organic agricultural products as different from those grown conventionally. This distinction should be respected when considering the institution of a marketing order for caneberries. Produce that is organically grown is strictly segregated from produce that is conventionally grown and is labeled as a distinctly separate product in the marketplace. Often there are entirely different venues where organic goods are made available to the consumer. Oversupply problems do not plague organic growers. Growers have cultivated niche markets that are different from markets for conventional grown caneberries. A Federal market order system that does not allow an exemption for organic caneberries would place an unnecessary and unwelcome impediment on a small but healthy sector of American commerce. It is my understanding after talking with the chairman that my amendment would be setting a precedent, and an exemption could be achieved through the rules process within the AMS. I respect the chairman's concerns and, therefore, I withdraw my amendment. However, I ask for his and the committee's commitment in addressing organic growers concerns in relation to the new Federal marketing order.”