HB-5347, As Passed House, December 6, 2005

SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL NO. 5347

     A bill to amend 2000 PA 316, entitled

"Michigan organic products act,"

by amending section 21 (MCL 286.921).

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

     Sec. 21. (1) By promulgation of rules pursuant to the

administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to

24.328, the director  shall  may adopt standards that meet or

exceed the standards for organic products of the United States

department of agriculture agricultural marketing service, or

equivalent national organic program. The standards shall include a

list of prohibited substances. In no case shall this act, the

standards, or both, permit the use of synthetic chemicals,

genetically modified organisms, sewage sludge, ionizing radiation,

or any combination of those substances. The director shall consult

with the organic advisory committee regarding the development of

and changes to the Michigan organic standards. The director may

adopt additional standards that he or she determines necessary,

including, but not limited to, protecting the waters of this state,

the state natural resources, or the integrity of organic

agriculture.

     (2)  Until the effective date of rules adopted under

subsection (1), the international standards of the organic crop

improvement association international, as revised February 1999,

and the certification standards of the organic growers of Michigan,

as revised March 7, 2000 and adopted May 28, 2000, are adopted by

reference as interim standards.  The standards contained in 7 CFR

part 205, national organic program, are adopted by reference. The

director may adopt any other standards he or she determines

substantially equivalent upon 10 days' notification of such

determination on the department internet website, or other form of

notice considered appropriate by the director and designed to

inform the industry and general public.