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Congressional Organic
Caucus
About the Caucus
Mission
The Organic Caucus is a bipartisan association
of congressional members dedicated to enhancing the availability
and understanding of information related to the production and processing
of organic agricultural products. The caucus shall serve the public
interest through the promotion of sound policies that advance organic
production and marketing.
Rationale
The organic food industry, with an average annual
growth rate of 20% a year, continues to be one of the fastest growing
sectors in agriculture. The International Trade Center UNCTAD/WTO
estimates that US retail sales in 2001 were between $9 and $9.5
billion.
In October of 2002, national organic standards
went into effect. Consumers are demanding greater organic product
availability, media attention is on the rise, and farmers increasingly
look for scientifically proven, peer-reviewed solutions to their
organic production problems. In spite of rapid growth, organic agriculture
priorities are not sufficiently reflected in the current government’s
research agenda or fiscal commitments.
Because of its ability to minimize impacts on
soil, air and water quality, organic agriculture provides a unique
opportunity to increase sustainable business practices, protect
the environment, and preserve natural resources.
Goals
The Organic Caucus aims to convene at least
2 times per year for legislative briefings and relevant policy/industry
updates on organic agriculture. The Congressional Organic Caucus serves
to monitor policies that impact the research and policy needs of organic
producers and processors. Caucus members are alerted to critical policy
and funding issues as they emerge.
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