Lawmakers in the United States are pushing for increased support for organic farmers through the Organic Market Development Act. The bill aims to provide funding and resources to meet the growing demand for organic products and ensure the continued growth of the organic food industry.
The Organic Market Development Act: Support for Organic Farmers
Lawmakers in the United States are pushing for increased support for organic farmers through the Organic Market Development Act. This bill aims to provide funding and resources to meet the growing demand for organic products and ensure the continued growth of the organic food industry. With the introduction of this legislation, Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Angus King of Maine, along with Representatives Chellie Pingree of Maine and Annie Kuster of New Hampshire, are striving to codify and increase funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Organic Market Development Grant program.
( Credit to: Missouriindependent )
The Organic Market Development Grant program currently allows organic farmers and producers to apply for grants that can help support their businesses. However, the funding for this program is currently set for the 2023 fiscal year, with a one-time allotment of $75 million through the Commodity Credit Corporation. The proposed Organic Market Development Act seeks to maintain this funding level annually and provide an additional recurring $25 million in appropriations starting from the 2024 fiscal year.
The demand for organic food continues to rise, with organic agriculture sales reaching $60 billion last year. Senators Baldwin and King recognize the need to equip organic farmers with the necessary tools to meet this demand and ensure the growth of the organic food industry. By supporting the Organic Market Development Grant program, the bill aims to provide assistance in various aspects of the organic agriculture industry, including production, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, distribution, and the development of consumer markets.
Benefits of the Organic Market Development Act
The Organic Market Development Act holds several benefits for organic farmers and the organic food industry as a whole. By codifying and increasing funding for the Organic Market Development Grant program, this bill provides a stable and continuous source of support for organic farmers and producers. With the annual funding level maintained and an additional $25 million in appropriations, organic farmers can receive the necessary financial assistance to upgrade their equipment and facilities.
Moreover, the Organic Market Development Act recognizes the importance of organic farming in specific states. Wisconsin, for example, had the second-highest number of certified organic farms in the U.S. in 2021. Senator Baldwin emphasizes the significance of supporting Wisconsin’s organic farmers and businesses to ensure the state remains a leader in the organic food industry. Similarly, Maine, known for its organic food availability, stands to benefit from the bill. Representative Pingree, a longtime organic farmer herself, stresses the need to strengthen organic processing, storage, and market opportunities.
The bill also addresses specific unmet needs in the organic farming community. For instance, in Maine, there is a lack of organic dairy processing and cold storage. The proposed legislation would expand grants to cover cold storage, which would greatly benefit Maine’s organic dairy community. Organizations like the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) have expressed their support for the bill, recognizing its potential to keep more money within rural farming communities by enabling producers to add value to their products.
Inspiration from the Dairy Business Innovation Act
The Organic Market Development Act draws inspiration from the Dairy Business Innovation Act, which seeks to increase funding for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. Senator Baldwin hopes to achieve similar success for the organic industry by implementing this bill. The inclusion of the Organic Market Development Act in the upcoming farm bill is the lawmakers’ target. While negotiations for the farm bill are ongoing, the bill has strong champions in the House and Senate, and supporters are pushing for its inclusion.
Conclusion
The Organic Market Development Act is a significant step towards providing increased support for organic farmers in the United States. By codifying and increasing funding for the Organic Market Development Grant program, this bill aims to equip organic farmers with the necessary resources and tools to meet market demands and ensure the continued growth of the organic food industry. With the demand for organic food on the rise, it is crucial to provide assistance and opportunities for organic farmers to thrive.