Kathleen Merrigan, deputy secretary at the Agriculture Department, discussed challenges facing the National Organics Program (NOP) in an interview with the Washington Post.
Merrigan said the greatest challenges facing the 8-year-old program are uncertainty with dealing with the new rules, compliance challenges and enforcement issues. She noted part of the solution is to do the job set forth in the law within the budget allowed.
When asked about the recent report from USDA's inspector general that identified enforcement oversight, she suggested ensuring compliance must not have been a priority within the Bush administration. She said she is already making the NOP more of a priority than before and pointed to the recent changes in access to pasture rule for organic meat and dairy cows.
The biggest misconception among consumers regarding organic products is cost, Merrigan said. She added organic products are not as expensive as they once were, and are available at supermarkets and big box stores.
For safety issues, Merrigan recommended consumers go to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service's pesticide-testing program, to view results of its pesticide tests on different produce and foods found in grocery stores.
Future objectives of the USDA include encouraging local food growing in rural communities, Merrigan said.