*MEDIA ALERT*
The Organic Trade Association is pleased that the House Agriculture Committee recognized the strong growth in organic and the opportunities that organic provides for the food and farm economy. We thank Chairman Conaway, Ranking Member Peterson and members of the committee for their hard work.
Although it is unfortunate that the overall farm bill is not moving forward in a bipartisan manner, we are thankful for the strong support for the organic provisions within the bill.
Top priorities of the Organic Trade Association that were included in the bill are:
- Important tools and funding for the improved oversight of international trade to ensure the integrity of organic throughout the global supply chain;
- Increased funding for the flagship Organic Research and Extensive Initiative (OREI) program to help ensure that organic farmers can continue to meet the unique challenges they face;
- Full funding for the Organic Data Initiative, USDA’s organic data collection program that provides accurate market and production information for the organic industry.
We applaud the amendment offered and passed by Congressman Rodney Davis that reverses provisions in the underlying draft bill that were not supported by the organic industry and keeps decision-making on inputs allowed for use in organic squarely within the purview of the National Organic Standards Board.
As the process moves forward, we welcome continued support and improvements including reinstating funding for the organic certification cost-share program.
Statement from Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association:
“As the leading trade group representing the American organic sector, it is our responsibility to protect and promote organic in the Farm Bill. The House Farm Bill provides important measures that will enable the organic sector to continue advancing. We are pleased with the bipartisan support that organic received, and we thank the leaders and members of the House Agriculture Committee for their efforts. The Organic Trade Association will look to the Senate as the process moves forward to continue to strengthen policies impacting organic farmers, consumers and businesses.”