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.

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