As the April 31 deadline for public comment on the standards passed, the word from Washington, D.C., was that federal regulators will delete the three provisions that drew the most fire. Those provisions would have permitted use of genetically engineered organisms, sewage sludge and irradiation on organic farms.

Organic advocates were pleased that the outpouring of criticism got a response. But they say many other provisions that apparently will be left in the proposal are highly objectionable. Among the other controversial provisions are rules allowing use of antibiotics, nonorganic feed and long-term confinement of animals in organic production.

"We see at least 66 major deal breakers in this proposed rule," said Michael Sligh, who chaired the National Organic Standards Board that was set up by Congress to advise the USDA on drafting an organic rule. The NOSB’s proposals were largely ignored by the USDA.

"USDA must rewrite this rule," Sligh said at a news conference in April. "That's the only way to regain public trust."

USDA Secretary Dan Glickman said that as a result of the "extraordinary" wave of public opinion generated by the proposed rule, "significant modifications" will now be made. He has said that he still hopes a final rule will be approved by the end of this year after an additional public comment period.