STATEMENT BY ADMINISTRATOR KEN ACKERMAN

Feb 29, 2000 - "U.S. organic production is growing at a 12-percent rate, so we need to move with the market trend," said Ackerman. "To start putting organic farmers on an equal footing with non-organic farmers, RMA will begin piloting endorsements for crops grown and certified according to approved standards."

Pending resources and approval by the FCIC Board of Directors, organic endorsements may be available on several year 2001 crops.