NEWS: Sens. Schiff, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Barriers to Organic Farming

Washington, D.C. - Today, 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.

Background: Senator Schiff is the first senator from California to serve on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in over 30 years. Earlier this month, Schiff introduced six new pieces of legislation aimed at expanding support and market access for specialty crop farmers and to level the playing field for California growers in the upcoming Farm Bill. Last week, Senator Schiff introduced a bill to codify two regional food supply chain programs at USDA as well as a bill to increase food banks' access to fresh produce. He also recently outlined his priorities for the next Farm Bill and his plans to push for a bill that advances economic opportunity, health, sustainability, national security, and prosperity. During the first year and a half of the Senator's term on the Senate Agriculture Committee, he has visited farms across the entirety of California, learning about the Golden State's countless agricultural industries, including strawberries, almonds, broccoli, celery, and leafy greens.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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