" The task of the National Organic Program is to set national standards for the organic industry. Diluting the standards in use by many in the industry undermines the integrity of the organic industry and places well-established markets at risk.

I believe that national organic standards should explicitly differentiate organic production and handling and be maintained at the level of existing certifying agencies."

"....genetically engineered organisms, ionizing radiation, and the land application of biosolids...are just the tip of the iceberg, and other less publicized issues in relation to national standards could also have devastating impacts on the organic industry...Definitions must be added, clarified or, in some cases, deleted."

" The terms ' bio-diversify" and "ecological harmony," long accepted by the industry have been removed from the definition of the " system of organic farming and handling."

Over 80 consumers, organic farmers, an former NOSB Board Member, coops and handlers unanimously testified that the USDA Proposed Organic Rule, if implemented, would destroy the credibility of "organic" for consumers. 100% of the statements made at the Hearing were against implementation of the Proposed Rule as written.

Expressions at the hearing were explicit, extremely well thought out and presented with gusto bordering on rebellion. Every speaker received a clapping ovation. Organic farmers wanted to know who wrote the Proposed Rules. The single USDA representative at the meeting, Eileen Stommes, refused to answer the question. A consumer asked why the existing standards of organic certifiers were not synthesized with the Organic Foods Production Act to compose the Proposed Rule. Ms Stommes responded they had to follow the Act. At that point people in the audience responding without recognition asking "Than why didn't the USDA follow the Act in the Proposed Rule?" Joe Vogelsberg from Kansas along with many others said when ever you use a synthetic medicine on livestock, divert that livestock to the conventional market after the FDA withdrawal time. Questions were raised how do you know your not feeding organic livestock genetically modified feed products if 20% not organically produced feed is allowed? A former USDA DC employee, now organic dairyman, stated the reason USDA is holding these 4 public meetings is so the USDA building doesn't get burned down. He further pointed out that Eileen Stommes, in her position is personally responsible for the Proposed and Final Rule. Many testifiers presented detailed listings of the contradictions between the Proposed Rule and the Organic Foods Production Act. USDA stated that the quantity and quality of the testimony was extremely helpful. And the Greenpeace Fishberry costume symbolizing the genetically modified strawberry was ever present.