June 10, 1998

"The Committee expects the Secretary to construct a National Organic Program that takes into account the needs of small farmers. The Committee directs the Secretary to establish a progressive user fee scheme so that small farmers, handlers, and certification agents are not excessively burdened. Furthermore, the Committee directs that not less than $250,000 of the funds available for the National Organic Program be used to offset the initial costs of accreditation services, a subsidy necessary due to the lack of Department expertise in organic accreditation and insufficient data on the industry. Also, the Committee directs the Secretary to follow the recommendations of the National Organic Standards Board, as required by the 1990 farm bill, in issuing final regulations as to what substances are on the national list."

6/15/98