When national organic standards went into effect 7 years ago, there was concern among Vermont’s small producers and processors about the federal government taking over what had until then been a local set of standards.
Nicole Dehne is Certification Administrator for the Northeast Organic Farmers Association of Vermont. Andy Jones is Farm Manager at Intervale Community Farm. Maarten Samsom is an independent organic inspector. They speak with VPR’s Jane Lindholm about how the sytem works and concerns surrounding the federal system.