WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Meeting Demand for Organic Produce Act to allow for a test-out alternative to the three-year transition period for new organic producers who prove no prohibited substances are present in the growing space.
“Farmers looking to move to organic production are often strained by the regulatory burden of the three-year transition rule,” said Rep. Newhouse. “This practice is outdated, and allowing producers to test out of the transition period allows high quality, certified organic products to hit store shelves faster while upholding the standard consumers expect. This will also help meet the growing demand for organics, provide stability for farm operations, and lower the costs of these products for those who enjoy them.”
This legislation is supported by the Organic Produce Association.
Theojary Crisantes, Chairman, Organic Produce Association, said, “The Organic Produce Association applauds the introduction of this legislation which would help farmers seeking to transition to organic agriculture by establishing a voluntary test-out option for the organic three-year transition period. We commend Representative Newhouse for his continued leadership and support of organics by advancing policies that support innovation and growth in the industry. This legislation upholds USDA’s gold-standard requirements for the organic seal, supports producers and helps ensure we continue to have a strong and reliable supply of certified organic products to meet rising consumer demand.”
This legislation allows farmers an option to test their soil or growing medium with a testing method approved by the Secretary of Agriculture. If testing proves there are no prohibited substances in their soil or growing medium, farmers are allowed to continue the organic certification process immediately, eliminating the arbitrary three-year transition process. Producers will still be required to meet all other organic certification requirements.
Background
The three-year organic transition period refers to the period during which a farm or agricultural operation transitions from conventional to organic farming practices. Throughout these three years, the farm must adhere to organic farming methods without using prohibited synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. During this period, the land is treated as if it were already organic, but the certification is granted only after successfully completing the transition and meeting all organic standards.
The organic three-year transition period was put in place to ensure that farms undergoing a shift from conventional to organic practices have sufficient time to meet the organic standards set by regulatory bodies, specifically to ensure that any residual synthetic substances used in conventional farming are eliminated from the soil during those three years. However, since its enactment in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990, the agriculture and organic industry has changed substantially, in regard to innovation, production, and sustainability. Many of the harsh chemicals that once were used in the 1990’s are no longer being used, and the three-year period is an arbitrary number with little scientific backing.
For many organic farmers, waiting three years is not financially feasible, especially if the soil or growing medium has never been introduced to prohibited substances. With the technology we have today, farmers should have an option to opt out of the three-year transition period, if they meet all other organic certification qualifications. This legislation will provide that option to all producers.
###