HLS 12RS-557 ENGROSSED
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 153
BY REPRESENTATIVE ANDERS
AGRICULTURE: Provides for an organic certification cost-share rebate program
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 3:19 and 20, relative to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry; to provide2
for an organic certification cost-share rebate program; to provide for the duties of the3
commissioner of agriculture; to provide for cooperative agreements; to provide for4
organic labeling standards; and to provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 3:19 and 20 are hereby enacted to read as follows: 7
§19. Louisiana Organic Certification Cost-Share Rebate Program; legislative8
findings; authority9
A. The commissioner has the duty and authority to promote, protect, and10
advance Louisiana agriculture. The legislature finds that there is potential for growth11
of organic agricultural production in Louisiana. The legislature further finds that12
there exists a need to support and encourage organic production in the state.13
B. The commissioner is authorized to establish a state cost-share rebate14
program within the department. The purpose of the program is to provide for the15
reimbursement of a portion of organic certification costs incurred by organic16
producers and handlers who are certified by private organic certifiers which are17
accredited by the USDA National Organic Program. Such program shall be in18
addition to the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program administered by19
the United States Department of Agriculture.20 HLS 12RS-557 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 153
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
C. The commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with organic1
producers and handlers and promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the2
Administrative Procedure Act, to carry out the provisions of this Section.3
§20. Labeling of organic food4
No person shall use the term "organic food" or any derivative of the term5
"organic" in the labeling or advertising of a food, unless the growth and composition6
of such food product meets the requirements contained in the Code of Federal7
Regulations, 7 CFR Part 205, the National Organic Program Standards.8
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Anders HB No. 153
Abstract: Provides for an organic certification cost-share certification program.
Proposed law establishes the La. Organic Certification Cost-Share Rebate Program to
support and encourage organic production in the state.
Proposed law authorizes the commissioner to establish a cost-share rebate program within
the department to reimburse a portion of organic certification costs incurred by producers,
in addition to the national program administered by USDA.
Proposed law allows cooperative agreements between the commissioner and organic
producers. Provides for the commissioner to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out
the provisions of proposed law.
Proposed law prohibits the use of the term "organic food" unless the growth and composition
of such food product meets federal requirements.
(Adds R.S. 3:19 and 20)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry,
Aquaculture, and Rural Development to the original bill.
1. Prohibited the use of the term "organic food" unless the growth and composition
of such food product meets federal requirements.