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Congress·In Committee·about 1 month ago

Organic Farming: Support for New and Existing Farmers

Also known as: Opportunities in Organic Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

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.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 28, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Jan 28, 2026

Introduced in Senate

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Opportunities in Organic Act

Bill NumberS 3717
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(12)
D: 10I: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.