U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) on Feb. 5 sponsored legislation to help farmers seeking to transition to organic agriculture by establishing a voluntary test-out option for the organic three-year transition period.
“Farmers looking to move to organic production are often strained by the regulatory burden of the three-year transition rule,” Rep. Newhouse said. “This practice is outdated.”
The Meeting Demand for Organic Produce Act, H.R. 7406, would 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.
“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,” said Rep. Newhouse. “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.”
The three-year organic transition period refers to the period during which a farm or agricultural operation transitions from conventional to organic farming practices.
During this time, the farm must adhere to organic farming methods without using prohibited synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms, and must treat their land as if it were already organic.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) then certifies the farm after it has successfully completed the transition and meets all organic standards.
If enacted, H.R. 7406 would permit farmers an option to test their soil or growing medium with a testing method approved by the USDA.
If testing proves there are no prohibited substances in their soil or growing medium, farmers would be allowed under H.R. 7406 to continue the organic certification process immediately, thereby eliminating the three-year transition process that isn’t financially feasible for many farmers, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmaker’s staff.
The legislation is supported by the Organic Produce Association.