The state of Utah is about to get into the regulatory business for organic foods, produce and meats.

In this case, government involvement could mean more variety in organic food and lower price tags. News Specialist Scott Light has the story.

From 'cukes with no nukes,' to turkey kabobs, to toilet paper, stores like Wild Oats are no longer corner markets. They're supermarkets with aisles and aisles of organic foods.

The state of Utah says it's now time to regulate organic foods. One reason-- consumer protection.

Larry Lewis/Utah Dept. of Agriculture & Food: "THIS IS A TOOL TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC SO WE KNOW WHEN I SEE ORGANIC IT REALLY MEANS ORGANIC."

Scott Light, Eyewitness News: "BASICALLY, THIS IS A SET OF RULES. RULES FOR PEOPLE WHO PRODUCE ORGANIC FOODS AND PEOPLE WHO PRODUCE ORGANIC LIVESTOCK. THESE FOLKS WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW A STRICT SET OF RULES IN ORDER TO LABEL THEIR PRODUCTS ORGANIC."

State officials say a set of rules would also level the produce field for farmers of organic foods.

"IF I'M A FRUIT GROWER AND I WANT TO LABEL IT ORGANIC, I HAVE TO PLAY BY THESE RULES."

Jim Campbell hopes basic regulations will encourage more Utah farmers and producers to go organic. He's the produce manager at Wild Oats. Campbell says more local producers mean more variety.

Jim Campbell/Wild Oats Produce Manager: "WITH MORE AVAILABILITY HERE LOCALLY AND WITH THAT CERTIFICATION TO HELP US WE COULD HAVE OUR PRODUCTS HERE EVERY DAY."

This sign says 'absolutely nothing added,' but one thing that is added to just about every organic food is an increase in price.

Jim Campbell says more local producers could help that situtation too. Wild Oats currently trucks in its produce from California twice a week. Those costs are obviously passed on to consumers.

The state will offer public comment on this issue over the next several months. It wants the new regulations in place by October