Organic Trade Association urges action on the Administration’s climate-forward Build Back Better framework
In response to the Biden Administration’s publication of a revised Build Back Better framework that centers climate change action, clean energy, and equity, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) issued the following statement:
“As the threat of climate disaster grows more dire by the day, all eyes have turned to Glasgow’s COP26 for answers, but the work has to start here first,” says OTA CEO and Executive Director Laura Batcha. “The organic sector stands ready to lead this effort by planting the seeds for a more sustainable future right here at home.”
“Organic has always stood at the vanguard of sustainability. Today, our sector leads global efforts toward more sustainable farming, greener building, and less extractive economies. By eliminating the use of chemical inputs like synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, organic sets the standard for climate-smart agriculture. Organic farms emit 18 percent less overall greenhouse gasses (GHG) than other agricultural systems and organic soil sequesters 26% more carbon than non-organic. We applaud the Administration’s efforts to dramatically reduce our nation’s GHG emissions, bolster rural economies, and to encourage sustainable farming and production practices in this framework.”
“The Administration's Build Back Better framework would set the United States up for success at COP26, positioning our nation as a standard bearer of sustainability and conscientious policy making. By starting this work in our own backyard, we can enter the COP26 negotiations in good faith, knowing that we are doing everything possible to stem the global climate crisis. OTA encourages Congress to take swift action on these critical proposals, and we look forward to continuing to helping the organic community advance climate-smart practices at home and abroad.”
About the Organic Trade Association
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.