Answer: Yes. When flooding occurs, producers and their certifying agents can request a temporary variance under the National Organic Program regulations from such requirements as crop rotation. The certification of an operation, however, is not changed due to flooding.

- Joan Shaffer, public affairs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.

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FLAG FLYING RULES

Q: What’s the law regarding flying the flag, and how should it be stored?

A: There is no law directing flag flying, but the U.S. Flag Code directs us in proper flag display:

-Fly the flag from sunrise to sunset unless the flag is illuminated. If weather is inclement or windy, consider waiting for another day; the flag will last longer.

-No other flag may be flown higher than the U.S. flag, so place state flags, school flags and other national flags lower than the Stars and Stripes.

-The blue field with stars should be in the upper left when displaying the flag on a flat surface. Flag stickers on windows should be placed in the upper left, too, for the person looking in.

For ordinary storage, you can fold the flag any way that’s convenient. However, if you want to fold it as they do in the uniformed services:

-Lay flag flat with the stars on your upper left.

-Fold the flag in half the long way by bringing the bottom of the striped section up.

-Fold it in half again, bringing bottom to top.

-Starting at your right, form a triangle by bringing the lower striped corner to the upper edge.

-Repeat, folding the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue moving toward the blue field of stars until the entire length of the flag is folded.

-At the end, only the blue field of stars is showing. Tuck last bit into the folds to secure.