U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) last week sponsored the bipartisan Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research (SOAR) Act of 2023, which would support applied research projects that aim to help America’s farmers be more productive, efficient, and profitable.
If enacted, H.R. 2720 would reauthorize the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative at $60 million for fiscal year (FY) 2024; $70 million for FY 2025; $80 million for FY 2026; $90 million for FY 2027; and $100 million for FY 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter, according to the text of the bill.
“Central Washington farmers are constantly innovating so they can provide their organic products to the world,” Rep. Newhouse said. “To continue to grow and prosper, it’s important they have the necessary resources to remain competitive.”
H.R. 2720, which U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) signed on to as the lead original cosponsor, also would authorize a competitive grant program for organic agriculture research transition, encourage partnerships with land grant universities for transition, and authorize appropriations for the grants, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“I am proud to introduce the SOAR Act to ensure our farmers gain access to critical research programs that will help the organic industry meet the growing demand,” said Rep. Newhouse.
H.R. 2720 also would require USDA and its Economic Research Service to give Congress and the agricultural industry better organic production and market data, the summary says, and authorize additional appropriations for the Organic Production and Market Data Initiatives.
“The Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act would help ensure producers are equipped to tap into the full potential of the growing organic market,” said Rep. Pingree. “By increasing funding to reflect the industry’s growth and changing needs, this bipartisan bill will help maintain the organic industry’s momentum — benefiting our farmers, rural economies, and the environment.”
The Organic Farming Research Foundation supports the bill.