80-11-601. State organic certification program -- administration by department. (1) There is a state organic certification program administered by the department of agriculture.

(2) The department may adopt rules as necessary to implement the program consistent with organic regulations and trade laws of the United States and other markets.

(3) The department shall seek input from the Montana organic association, producers, handlers, processors, and others in the community on a regular basis as to the need of the certification program, research, markets, and other matters concerning organics.

(4) A state organic certification program may not be construed to apply to organic producers, processors, and handlers certified solely by other organic certification programs, whether public, private, foreign, or domestic, nor may the state organic certification program prohibit those other certifying organizations from certifying and collecting fees from organic producers, processors, handlers, or any other commercial entity in Montana. Organic producers, processors, and handlers may be certified under both the state organic certification program and programs administered by other certifying organizations.