Restore Organic Law
I will be happy to answer questions by phone, if you call between 7
AM and 9 PM, and I happen to be indoors.  207-388-2860.  This
offer not available during blueberry harvest, July 25-Sept 25.
Organic Beekeeping Conference
2008
Organic foods are governed by a federal law passed by Congress in 1990.  It
set strict standards for organic farming and manufacturing.  But in November,
an amendment (called a rider) was attached to another bill , which removed a
key provision of the law.

The OTA (Organic Trade Association) rider removed the following clause from
the organic law: "the substance [permitted to be used in manufacturing up to
5% of the total ingredients] ...is non-synthetic but is not organically produced"   
 The rider was attached to the agricultural appropriations bill by lobbyists,
without any discussion in the ag committees or elsewhere.  This is possible  
when the majority leader decides to  do it, especially when his wife is a lobbyist
for Kraft Foods, a major organic manufacturer.
The effect is to allow synthetic ingredients in manufacturing foods to be
labeled organic.  Prior to this change the words quoted above served as a
firewall for organic products, preventing the addition of synthetics.  But
now, only the discretion  of USDA will determine which synthetics are
used---mostly without being named on the labels.
Counter
This rider needs to be corrected.    In 2003 a rider was passed (at the
instigation of Fieldale Farms) to allow non-organic feed for chickens.  It
was repealed a few months later.  Correcting this new rider will be more
complicated, but the objective is simple:  either stop all synthetics from
being added to organic products, or identify all synthetics on the label.  
Many news articles and editorials can be seen by following the links above.  Debate within the
organic industry can be reviewed at Gershuny as well as Court Documents, and Acres USA.   
Above all, Strategy gives ideas and examples of how the problem can be corrected in your own
Congressional district.  When enough awareness has been created around the country,  political
influence will no longer (by default) be in the hands of manufacturers and their lobbyists.
Note:  several items published here have been taken from the website  
www.organicconsumers.org, where a regular feast of media coverage can be
found.  I have selected only a few of the best-informed examples.
Congressional Switchboard.  You can reach  any member of Congress
by calling  202-224-3121.  The operator will connect you with the office you request.