Opportunities in Organic Act Reintroduced with Strong Bicameral Support
The National Organic Coalition is pleased to share that the Opportunities in Organic Act has been reintroduced in Congress, with leadership from Senator Peter Welch and Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Alma Adams.
The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).
This legislation is a critical opportunity to reduce barriers to organic farming, strengthen organic supply chains, and ensure that farmers have the support they need to transition to—and remain in—organic production. As demand for organic food continues to grow while domestic production lags, the bill offers a timely and practical investment in U.S. organic agriculture.
Importantly, the Opportunities in Organic Act would also provide a path forward to carry on and build upon the transition support and technical assistance models currently being implemented through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), which is set to conclude in 2026.
NOC thanks Senator Welch, Representatives Panetta and Adams, and the many Members of Congress and organizations supporting this legislation. We look forward to working with partners across the organic community to advance this bill and ensure farmers have the tools they need to succeed.
What the Opportunities in Organic Act Would Do
The Opportunities in Organic Act would expand and strengthen existing USDA programs to better support farmers and producers navigating organic transition and certification. Specifically, the bill would:
Increase technical assistance to help producers adopt and maintain organic practices
Modernize and expand organic certification cost-share, including an increased reimbursement rate of $1,500 per operation per scope and flexibility for USDA to exceed these levels for underserved producers and regions
Provide additional support for institutions and NGOs that help farmers transition to organic and build organic supply chains
👉 Learn more about the Opportunities in Organic Act
👉 Read the full bill text