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Organic Trade Association presents Organic Champion Award to Rep. Rodney Davis

Congressman honored during trade association’s annual Policy Conference

Maggie McNeil
(
mmcneil@ota.com
(202) 403-8514
(202) 615-7997
)
Washington , DC
US
 (
May 24, 2018
) — 

As part of its annual Policy Conference today, the Organic Trade Association recognized Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL) for his excellence in advancing organic agriculture through public service with the 2018 Organic Champion Award.

“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,” said Laura Batcha, CEO of the Organic Trade Association. Batcha cited specifically his recent action to pass an amendment that protected the important role of the National Organic Standards Board during the House Agriculture Committee markup of the Farm Bill.

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.

A strong supporter of the organic industry throughout his time in Congress, he most recently was a lead sponsor of the Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act. This important legislation preserves the integrity of the organic seal by increasing oversight and enforcement of the label globally in order to prevent fraud, ensure continued consumer confidence in the seal and level the playing field for U.S organic farmers. His critical support helped pave the way for the legislation to be included in the House Farm Bill that passed out of committee. 

Following the award presentation, Congressman Davis addressed the more than 200 organic industry leaders attending the conference.

“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,” Davis said. “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.” 

 


The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing over 9,500 organic businesses across 50 states. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA's Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA's mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.