Congressman Dan Newhouse and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
2019 Organic Champions
The Organic Trade Association’s Organic Champion Award recognizes and honors individuals in government who have been supportive of organic agriculture and trade. Recipients are chosen upon the recommendation of trade association staff, and then voted on by the Board of Directors. This year, Newhouse and Pingree were selected for their collaborative efforts to advance organic in the 2018 Farm Bill and through their work on annual appropriations legislation that funds the National Organic Program and organic transitions research program.
Although Congressman Newhouse of the state of Washington and Congresswoman Pingree of Maine come from opposite sides of the country and serve in different political parties, they have a lot in common. Both are farmers. They currently serve as co-chairs of the House Organic Caucus, and have been strong leaders in advancing organic policy on Capitol Hill. Both have served on the Agriculture Committee, and currently serve on the Appropriations Committee together.
“It is an honor to be named an Organic Champion with my colleague, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Washington’s organic agriculture greatly contributes to the economies of both our state and our nation. I am proud to have a partner in Chellie who understands the importance of strong, bipartisan support for one of the fastest-growing sectors of agriculture.”
“I feel honored to receive the 2019 Organic Champion Award, especially next to my colleague Congressman Dan Newhouse,” said Rep. Pingree. “I’ve been an organic farmer for more than 40 years, and my experiences deeply influence my policy views. I see it as my job to advocate for policies that support promising market opportunities for farmers, including in the organic sector. Congressman Newhouse and I see beyond party lines when it comes to supporting organic farmers across our country.”
Their joint introduction of the Organic Agriculture Research Act of 2018 led to permanent baseline funding for OREI, more than double the current funding for organic research. This historic investment in organic research was one of the biggest victories for organic in any farm bill ever.
Congressman Rodney Davis
2018 Organic Champion Award Honoree
Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL) was awarded OTA's 2018 Organic Champion Award for his excellence in advancing organic agriculture through public service. Congressman Davis has been a lead advocate for the organic industry at a critical time, ensuring that the next Farm Bill advances and supports organic agriculture and moves the industry forward. Under his leadership as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research of the House Agriculture Committee which has jurisdiction of organic agriculture, the 2018 Committee- passed Farm Bill contained the industry’s top priorities, including increased oversight over organic imports, the first funding increase for organic research in a decade, and full funding for organic data and market collection.
“I have many organic farms and farmers in my district and my amendment to the Farm Bill increases protections for their products by ensuring the National Organic Standards Board can do its job effectively. Additionally, the Farm Bill places higher scrutiny on organic imports to ensure the products consumers are purchasing are actually organic. I am honored to receive this award and I will continue to fight for organic integrity in our markets.”
--Congressman Rodney Davis at OTA's 2018 Policy Conference
Senator Jeff Merkley
2016 Public Servant Award Honoree
“What we see across America is a growing movement of people who want to be thoughtful about how they eat...they are voting more and more in favor of buying and consuming organic foods...I've been excited to help champion this effort.”
--Senator Jeff Merkley at OTA's 2016 Policy Conference
Senator Merkley also serves on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee; the Environment and Public Works Committee; and the Budget Committee. He was elected to the Senate in 2008. Prior to becoming a United States Senator, he served in the Oregon State House of Representatives (including as Speaker).
Senator Debbie Stabenow
2014 Public Servant Award Honoree
“We want you to be successful and we want you to grow the economy as well as grow your products and make your product.” Stabenow told the attendees of the policy conference, who represented the entire swath of the diverse organic industry. “I believe we will have a strong economy with the success of your industry.”
--Senator Debbie Stabenow at OTA's 2014 Policy Conference
Congressman Sam Farr
2012 Public Servant Award Honoree
“OTA’s Board of Directors is honored to recognize Congressman Sam Farr with OTA’s Public Servant Award for his unwavering support and advocacy for organic farmers and the organic sector.”
--Melody Meyer, Vice President of Global Initiatives for UNFI
Senator Sherrod Brown
2011 Public Servant Award Honoree
Congressman Collin Peterson
2010 Public Servant Award Honoree