ENROLLED
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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
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
C. The commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with organic21
producers and handlers and promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the22
Administrative Procedure Act, to carry out the provisions of this Section.23 ENROLLEDHB NO. 153
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§20. Labeling of organic food1
No person shall use the term "organic food" or any derivative of the term2
"organic" in the labeling or advertising of a food, unless the growth and composition3
of such food product meets the requirements contained in the Code of Federal4
Regulations, 7 CFR Part 205, the National Organic Program Standards.5
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA
APPROVED: