NOC Expresses Strong Support for Opportunities in Organic Act
Congress has introduced an important bill to reduce barriers to organic agriculture. In the Senate, the bill has been introduced by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), together with 11 other senators. A companion bill in the House was introduced on May 24 by Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), together with 6 other Representatives. The Opportunities in Organic Act of 2023 builds on the existing Organic Certification Cost-Share Program and adds flexible funding to support organic transition and expansion, organic supply chain development, and technical assistance, with an emphasis on resources for producers and regions that have lagged behind in the development of organic supply chains to meet growing market demand. It aligns closely with portions of USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative.
NOC will be pushing for the inclusion of these provisions in the 2023 Farm Bill.
The Senate bill is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Tina Smith (D-MN). Original House cosponsors of the Opportunities in Organic Act include Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Andrea Salinas (OR-06).
“Organic production has huge benefits for our rural economies and our environment—but farmers can’t make the switch to organic practices without help,” said Senator Welch. “My Opportunities in Organic bill will give these folks the support they need to make the transition to organic and thrive while they do so. That’s a win for our farmers and for our communities.”
“Despite the rising demand for organic agricultural products, some producers are finding it difficult take full advantage of these opportunities due to cost and skill barriers,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to author and introduce this legislation that would allow organic producers to overcome those barriers by streamlining reimbursements for organic certification and connecting them with the training, skills, and relationships they need to be successful. By expanding programming and services for these producers, we can ensure that our farmers are capitalizing on the immense opportunity that exists in the organic marketplace.”
“Organic agriculture is growing in North Carolina, but farmers seeking to join this market face barriers in transitioning their operations to make the most of this opportunity,” said Rep. Adams, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. “The Opportunities in Organic Act of 2023 would make it easier for farmers to bring healthy, sustainable food to market. This legislation helps socially-disadvantaged, beginning, and smaller-scale farmers and ranchers make the transition to organic agriculture. It also builds capacity for much-needed technical assistance to producers, with an emphasis on institutions that serve socially disadvantaged farmers and have a track record of practical, farmer-focused work on the ground. Farmers want to reach new markets and feed our families while building healthy soil, ecosystems, and communities. The Opportunities in Organic Act of 2023 helps make that work a reality, and I am proud to join Rep. Jimmy Panetta in leading this vital legislation.”
“Organic agriculture can help farms build thriving businesses while stewarding the natural resources upon which our future depends, said Abby Youngblood, Executive Director at the National Organic Coalition. “But only if we can reduce the barriers that farming operations face as they seek to transition to organic systems of production. The Opportunities in Organic Act is a wise investment to help more operations build resiliency, steward healthy soil, and take advantage of the growing demand for organic food in the marketplace.”
“The broad support for the Opportunities in Organic Act sends a clear signal to leaders drafting this year’s Farm Bill–organic stands ready as a time-tested choice with sweeping economic, environmental, and health benefits, and our public investments in agriculture should reflect that,” said Allison Johnson, Senior Attorney at NRDC.
The Opportunities in Organic Act has three major components:
Organic Certification Cost-Share
The Opportunities in Organic Act will modernize reimbursements for organic certification, to ensure cost does not deter producers. Cost-share payments would cover up to $1500 in certification costs. USDA would have discretion to exceed that cap to ensure that certification costs are not a barrier to certification for underserved producers and regions.
Transition and Resilience Funds
The Opportunities in Organic Act will provide support for NGOs to build capacity to support organic transition, particularly for smaller scale and socially disadvantaged producers and underserved regions. The program will also pass-through funding from NGOs to producers to offset costs and reduce barriers associated with organic transition.
Technical Assistance
The Opportunities in Organic Act will provide resources for organic capacity and partnerships at public institutions and NGOs, including support for education, outreach, and market expansion so producers in any part of the country will have access to professional assistance with building healthy soil, natural pest management, and protecting ecosystems and natural resources.