The
2012 Farm Bill
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The 2012 Farm Bill and Organic Agriculture
Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture, creating jobs in rural America and lucrative market opportunities for American family farmers. For 10 years, the industry grew at an average annual rate of 20 percent, and continued to experience positive growth during one of the worst economic downturns in the country’s history. The organic farming sector is a $29 billion industry in the U.S., served by over 14,500 organic family farmers.
Continued growth of organic agriculture requires continuing the modest but important investment in programs, reauthorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, that provide research and market information to farmers, help offset the costs of organic certification, and enforce the organic standards.
OFRF's 2012 Farm Bill policy platform includes advocating for the following initiatives:
- Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI)
- Organic Data Initiative (ODI)
- National Organic Certification Cost-share Program (NOCCSP)
- National Organic Program (NOP)
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative
- Organic Crop Insurance
RECENT FARM BILL STORIES
July 26, 2011
The 2012 Farm Bill Debate Begins
First Field Hearing Held In Michigan in late May;
Next Field Hearing to Take Place in Wichita, KS on August 25
Full Story
The 2008 Farm Bill Archive
Many initiatives currently included in the 2012 were initiated under the 2008 Farm Bill. Our 2008 Farm Bill Archive is provided for those who want to explore the history and adventure involved in developing the many importaant legislative milestones that created new programs in support of organic. |
