U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) introduced new, bipartisan legislation, the Opening Programs to Organic Farms Act, to require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assess how to lower barriers for organic farmers to access USDA programs.
“California leads our country in organic production, and it is essential that organic farmers in the Golden State are empowered to participate in USDA programs. I’m proud to partner with Senator Dave McCormick on this bipartisan bill to eliminate barriers that organic producers experience so they all have a shot to succeed in this incredible industry,” said Senator Schiff.
“Pennsylvania’s farmers work hard to feed our communities and strengthen our economy. Organic producers shouldn’t face unnecessary roadblocks when accessing USDA resources. I’m pleased to join Senator Schiff in introducing the bipartisan Opening Programs to Organic Farms Act to help identify barriers and ensure every farmer has the opportunity to succeed,” said Senator McCormick.
Organic farmers face unique challenges in agriculture, and many USDA programs were designed with conventional, non-organic production in mind. TheOpening Programs to Organic Farms Act would require USDA to assess the barriers that current and future organic farms face when participating in Department of Agriculture programs. This assessment would also require a description of the administrative actions USDA will take to remove such obstacles, and USDA’s recommendations for statutory changes to remove these barriers.
“Organic is one of the fastest-growing sectors in American agriculture, yet too many organic farmers still hit unnecessary roadblocks when they try to access USDA programs,” said Matthew Dillon, co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. “We’re grateful to Senator Schiff and Senator McCormick for introducing the Opening Programs to Organic Farms Act, which identifies exactly where those barriers exist and charts a path to remove them. The Organic Trade Association looks forward to working with these leaders to turn this report into tangible results for American organic farmers and the rural communities they support.”
The bill is endorsed by the Organic Trade Association.
Source : senate.gov