2008 Press Releases
Organic Trade Association opposes Ohio’s proposed action on dairy labeling
News Release
Contact: Barbara Haumann 413-774-7511, Ext. 20
or Sue McGovern 781-648-7157
COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 12, 2008)- In written testimony submitted today by its executive director Caren Wilcox, the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the voice of the organic industry in North America, informed the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) that the OTA strongly opposes a proposed rule that would affect labeling claims on dairy products sold in Ohio.
"This rule prevents organic dairy farmers and processors from truthfully communicating with retailers and consumers regarding federally regulated organic production practices. It also prevents Ohio consumers from exercising full and free choice in determining which products they wish to purchase," Wilcox stated in regard to the proposed Administrative Rule 901:11-8-01 on dairy labeling and its "emergency" implementation through Executive Order 2008-03S.
Under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) and the national organic rule, animals on an organic farm must be produced without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. The National Organic Program (NOP) administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates labeling claims and the documentation required for such claims on organic products. State regulation of labeling on organic products is prohibited unless approved by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Wilcox's testimony noted that the OTA is also concerned that Ohio is emerging as only one state attempting to regulate the label of dairy products placed in interstate shipment. With many different states considering different labeling regulations with conflicting provisions, there could develop a confusing patchwork of different rules from state to state, making it costly, inefficient and even impossible to ship products to retailers and U.S. consumers.
"We hope that Ohio recognizes that there needs to be uniformity and consistency between states and regions relative to organic. The proposed rule could do exactly the opposite if allowed to go forward. It could create a series of confusing restrictions on truthful organic labeling. This could eventually lead to a dimunition of choice for consumers in Ohio," stated Wilcox, who also sent a letter about the proposed rule to Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland.
Recommending that the rule not be adopted, Wilcox concluded, "OTA is committed to support of truthful and not misleading labeling and works everyday to provide information to its members about these subjects. While we appreciate Ohio's desire to protect the consumer from false and misleading labeling, we believe that the national organic standards provide more than adequate protection for users of organic products."
Wilcox's full testimony on behalf of OTA and her letter to Governor Strickland are available by contacting bhaumann@ota.com or sue@mcgov.com .
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its more than 1,650 members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy.
Headquarters: PO Box 547, Greenfield, MA 01302 USA • (413) 774-7511 • fax: (413) 774-6432 • www.ota.com
Canada: PO Box 6364, Sackville, NB, Canada E4L 1G6 • East (506) 260-7537 • West (250) 335-3423 • Ottawa (613) 787-2003
Washington, DC Office: (202) 338-2900
