Federal Legislation

OFRF works on legislative issues at the federal level to develop federal programs and increase funding resources that support organic agriculture. Our three primary focus areas are the Farm Bill, Budget and Appropriations, and Food Safety rules that affect organic producers.

In 2003, an Organic Caucus was formed in the House of Representatives, offering a forum to educate Members of Congress about organic agriculture policy and opportunities to advance the sector. (There is no similar caucus on the Senate side.) OFRF engages regularly in Organic Caucus education activities, and we encourage you as an organic advocate to ask your Representative to join!

LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES

The 2012 Farm Bill

The Farm Bill is an omnibus bill that is reauthorized about every five years. The 2008 Farm Bill contained 15 "titles" authorizing everything from commodity programs and price supports to agricultural conservation and research, to domestic food programs such as food stamps. In 2008, a new Farm Bill Title X, Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, was developed to cover horticulture specialty crops and organic agriculture. Read more about organic initiatives and the 2012 Farm Bill.

Appropriations

The federal appropriations process determines how much the government will be spending on various federal programs, including agriculture programs. OFRF will be working to protect and increase funding for our priority programs, including organic agriculture research.

Food Safety

January 4th, 2011, President Obama signed the Food Safety Modernization Act into law. As signed, the bill contains amendments which protect small and mid-size organic family farmers. Read about the bill and other frequently asked questions about the act here.