For Immediate Release

Contact: Meg Moynihan, NASOP Secretary (Minnesota) 651-201-6616

State Organic Officials Applaud McEvoy's Appointment as National Organic Program Head

The National Association of State Organic Programs (NASOP) applauds Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for naming former NASOP president Miles McEvoy to serve as Deputy Administrator of the National Organic Program.

“We cannot imagine anyone more qualified for this position than Miles,” said NASOP President Doug Crabtree (Montana). “We look forward to a strong and productive relationship between State Organic Programs and the NOP under his leadership,” he added.

McEvoy administered Washington State's organic program for more than 20 years. During this time he gained an excellent reputation among state organic officials throughout the U.S. for his principled commitment to the interests and needs of organic farmers, the growth of the organic marketplace, and the integrity of the organic label. McEvoy was a founding member of NASOP and had served in various leadership roles since 1998.

NASOP is an affiliate of NASDA, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and provides government officials a means to meet and discuss the promotion and regulation of the production, processing, handling and certification of organic products and services. NASOP explores explore problems experienced in administering organic programs, facilitates communication among members' respective agencies, and represents common interests to other national organizations and federal agencies.