2007 Press Releases
Organic Trade Association sees initial action on Farm Bill as promising
GREENFIELD, Mass. (May 25, 2007)--The Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association (OTA) today said she was very pleased with initial Congressional action on the 2007 Farm Bill. Subcommittees of the House Agriculture Committee began meeting this week to consider proposals for the Farm Bill.
"This has been a critical week for organic agriculture," OTA's Executive Director Caren Wilcox said. "The Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research gave a strong commitment to research and credit, which are two key issues. OTA has championed these issues, and I am pleased the subcommittee recognized their importance for the future growth of the organic industry."
In particular, Wilcox noted that the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research:
-- Extended the Organic Research and Extension Initiative to examine optimal conservation and environmental outcomes for organically produced agricultural products, and to develop new and improved seed varieties that are particularly suited for organic agriculture. The subcommittee authorized $25 million per year for each fiscal year through 2012.
-- Included language making loans for water and soil projects to organic producers a priority, and permitted organic transition to begin at the end of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP ).
-- Gave recognition for organic farmers to have access to Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Innovation grants. Each fiscal year, $5 million will be used for outreach to organic and specialty crop producers.
"Of course, one day and one mark up do not make a Farm Bill," Wilcox said. "But, we made a good start this week on behalf of the organic community. OTA's representatives and members will continue to work with members of the House and the Senate as debate on the 2007 Farm Bill moves forward."
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the business association representing the organic agriculture industry in North America. Its nearly 1,600 members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA encourages global sustainability through promoting and protecting the growth of diverse organic trade.
Headquarters: P.O. Box 547, Greenfield, MA 01302 USA (413) 774-7511 fax: (413)-774-6432 www.ota.com
Canadian Office: 323 Chapel Street, Ottawa, On K1N 7Z2 (613) 787-2003
Washington, DC Office: (202) 338-2900
