Pass the Domestic Organic Investment Act & the Opportunities in Organic Act

As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor the Domestic Organic Investment Act (S.3427 / H.R.6593) and the Opportunities in Organic Act (S. 3717 / H.R. 7318). These bills would support organic farming by making USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program permanent and helping more farmers and ranchers transition to organic. Making clean, safe organic food accessible for all Americans provides critical health, environmental, and animal welfare benefits. Certified organic production requires that animals are given access to the outdoors, fresh air, direct sunlight, shade, shelter, exercise areas, and conditions that accommodate natural behaviors. In addition, more than 900 pesticides allowed in conventional farming – many of which are linked to cancer, infertility, hormone disruption, and more – are prohibited in organic farming. Research shows that just one week on a fully organic diet can reduce pesticide levels in your body up to 95%. Dozens of harmful food additives, like many synthetic food dyes, are also prohibited in organic food, along with 450 drugs otherwise allowed in conventional livestock production, including all antibiotics and growth promoting drugs. And along with protecting people’s health and animal welfare, organic farming also builds soil health and protects essential pollinators like bees. The Domestic Organic Investment Act would help meet rising demand for organic food and support domestic organic farmers, processors, and regional supply chains by investing in increased processing capacity, modernizing infrastructure, and supporting market development. The Organic Opportunities Act will expand financial and technical support for farmers transitioning to organic. Currently too much organic food is imported from other countries. It’s critical that we continue to grow the domestic organic market in order to support rural economies, farmer livelihoods, and get clean, safe organic food in the hands of every American family. Please support the Domestic Organic Investment Act. Thank you.