WASHINGTON, D.C. — A sweeping effort to expand organic agriculture returned to Congress this past week as U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of 14 lawmakers in reintroducing the Opportunities in Organic Act, legislation aimed at helping farmers overcome financial and technical hurdles to going organic.
The bill targets some of the most persistent barriers facing producers who want to transition to organic practices, including the high cost of certification and limited access to technical assistance through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs. Supporters say those obstacles have slowed domestic organic production even as consumer demand continues to climb.
“Pennsylvania has always been a leader in organic farming. Our small farms deserve the support to keep up with the growing industry demands,” Fetterman said. “I am proud to support the Opportunities in Organic Act that will help more Pennsylvania farmers go organic and ensure our commonwealth remains a leader in this kind of agriculture.”
Lawmakers backing the bill argued that organic farming delivers economic, environmental, and public health benefits, but often requires upfront investments that are out of reach for small, rural, and socially disadvantaged producers. Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont said farmers cannot make the transition without meaningful federal support, calling the measure a win for rural communities. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said expanding organic production can also help make organic food more affordable for consumers.
The legislation would modernize and expand the USDA’s National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program into a broader Opportunities in Organic Program. The proposal would increase technical assistance for farmers, allow higher reimbursement levels for organic certification, and provide added flexibility to reach underserved regions and producers. It would also direct more support to nonprofit organizations that help farmers adopt organic practices.
Advocates say the bill addresses a widening gap between demand and supply. While organic food sales continue to grow, U.S. producers have struggled to keep pace, leading to greater reliance on imports. Abby Youngblood, executive director of the National Organic Coalition, said reducing barriers is critical to keeping organic production rooted in the United States.
“We need to reduce the barriers that farming operations face if we are going to meet this demand with U.S. organic production, instead of ceding those markets to organic imports,” Youngblood said.
The Opportunities in Organic Act of 2026 has drawn endorsements from a wide range of agricultural, environmental, and consumer organizations nationwide, reflecting broad support across farming regions and advocacy groups.
The full text of the bill is available at https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.