Opportunities in Organic Act

Key Points

• This bill would create a new program to help farmers pay for the costs of getting 'certified organic' status. It raises the standard payment to $1,500 per farm, but the Department of Agriculture could pay even more for farmers in expensive areas or those from historically underserved groups.
• The plan provides money to nonprofit groups that will coach farmers through the multi-year process of switching to organic. These groups will help with paperwork, teaching new soil health techniques, and finding mentors who are already successful organic farmers.
• It aims to build better local food systems by funding new organic-certified warehouses, processing plants, and distribution centers. This helps ensure that once a farmer grows organic food, they have a reliable place to store and sell it.
• Special attention is given to farms located near schools, neighborhoods, and nature preserves. The goal is to encourage chemical-free farming in areas where children live and play or where the environment is extra sensitive.
• The bill would increase funding over time, starting at $50 million in 2027 and reaching $100 million per year by 2030. This money will also go toward research on how to naturally control pests and improve crop yields without synthetic chemicals.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.