2007 Press Releases
HOUSE APPROVES FARM BILL WITH MORE THAN $300 MILLION
For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura Trivers (301-229-6481)
HOUSE APPROVES FARM BILL WITH MORE THAN $300 MILLION
FOR ORGANIC OVER LIFE OF FARM BILL
July 27, 2007 (WASHINGTON) -- The House of Representatives today approved more than $300 million for organic agriculture as part of the 2007 Farm Bill, according to Caren Wilcox, the executive director of the Organic Trade Association.
"In addition to the funding, the House of Representatives also directed the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to provide equitable crop insurance to organic producers," Wilcox said. "Currently, organic producers pay a 5% surcharge, and if losses occur, they are paid at the conventional, not the organic, price."
"The funding for research, data collection, technical assistance for farmers, and conversion and certification assistance, plus the insurance measures are significant for the organic industry and will help organic producers continue to meet the growing demand by consumers for organic products," Wilcox said.
Key organic provisions in the Farm Bill, as passed by the House of Representatives, include:
$50 million authorized for organic conversion, and technical and educational assistance. This provision is from an amendment offered by Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and approved by the Agriculture Committee;
$22 million in mandatory funding for National Organic Certification Cost Share Program;
$3 million in mandatory funding for Organic Production and Market Data;
$125 million for organic research ($25 million authorized per year, FY 2009 - 2012, plus mandatory funding of $25 million for FY 2008 - 2012);
$100 million authorized for urban organic gardens and greenhouses operated by residents in the neighborhood, including cooperatives, to produce fruits and vegetables and sell them to local grocery stores. This was an amendment on the House floor offered by Rep. William "Lacy" Clay, Jr. (D-MO).
$5 million in mandatory funding ($1 million per year) in the Agricultural Management Assistance Program for organic certification cost share payments to producers in 17 states.
The House approved the Farm Bill 231-191.
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The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its 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.
