> The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) is not a safety standard. The certified organic label does not mean that produce has been grown without the use of pesticides or that foods labeled as organic are more nutritious, safer, or of higher quality than foods produced by conventional agriculture. Allegations about environmental and food safety issues and exaggerations about the benefits of organic products have fueled misconceptions and misrepresentations about conventional agriculture. Consumers should have the option to choose between organic and conventionally grown foods, but this choice should be based on factual and not misleading information.
> 
> The assurance of a safe, affordable and plentiful food supply is a critical societal priority. Pesticide products play an important role in protecting crops and sustaining agricultural yields, regardless of whether farming practices are classified as conventional or certified as organic. Interest in organic farming is increasing. The safe and judicious use of pesticide products provides significant benefits to agriculture and public health. Reducing competition from weeds and insect damage assures an affordable and abundant supply of fresh food, essential for good health and development. Preventing insect/rodent damage and the growth of deadly pathogenic molds and bacteria protects stored grain and other food supplies. The America Cancer Society (ACS) stated in Unproven Risks: Pesticides, "When properly controlled, the minimal risks they [pesticides] pose are greatly overshadowed by health benefits of a diverse diet rich in foods from plant sources"
> 
> In 1998 the Danish Government commissioned a study to evaluate "the overall consequences of totally restructuring of the agricultural sector for organic food production." The resultant 1999 Bichel Committee Report "Organic Scenarios for Denmark" concluded that a total shift to organic farming from conventional agriculture would result in a drastic change with considerable restrictions and not enough food production to feed the Danish population.
> 
> Proponents of organic farming and foods should not mislead the public about benefits or discredit products derived from conventional agriculture. FIFRA regulations apply to all pesticides, regardless of farming system, and are designed to ensure that health and environmental safety are thoroughly investigated by EPA before a product enters the marketplace.

Angelina J. Duggan
New York, NY 10270

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