The House Organic Caucus

Sandra Marquardt/On the Mark Public Relations
A happy group of organic farmers and OFRF and Organic Trade Association staff following a House Organic Caucus briefing in April 2011.

NEW! Download our latest Organic Caucus Fact Sheet

The House Organic Caucus is a bipartisan group of Representatives that supports organic farmers, ranchers, and consumers by informing Members of Congress about organic agriculture policy and opportunities to advance the sector. Organic farming remains a bright spot even during difficult economic times. By joining the Caucus, representatives play a pivotal role in rural development while voicing their community’s desires to advance organic agriculture in their district and across the country.

Why should House members join the Organic Caucus?

• The organic industry is the fastest growing sector in U.S. agriculture, with over $26 billion in sales last year;
  
• Growing consumer demand for organic offers a lucrative market for small, medium, and large scale farms;
• Organic agriculture creates jobs in rural America;
• Currently, there are over 14,500 organic farms in the United States;
• Organic agriculture provides healthy food options for consumers.

Urge your representative to join!

History of the Organic Caucus
The House Organic Caucus was originally formed in 2003. Following a number of years of inactivity, the Organic Caucus was revived in April 2011 with a special kickoff briefing. See related story: House Breathes New Life Into Organic Caucus.

What Does the Caucus Do?

• Keeps Members informed about opportunities to support organic;
• Serves to educate Members and their staff on—
  
  • Organic farming methods;
    
  • What the term “organic” means;
    
  • Organic programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and
    
  • Issues facing the industry.

RECENT STORY
Kick-Off Briefing April 8, 2011
House Members Breathe New Life Into Organic Caucus
The Organic Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives got a fresh start with a special briefing on Capitol Hill. Urge your representative to join!
Read more...

Sandra Marquardt/On the Mark Public Relations
Organic advocates and House members engage in discussions on organic agriculture during an Organic Caucus briefing, April 2011.

Jim McDermott, D-7th WA
George Miller, D-7th CA
James Moran, D-8th VA
Jerry Nadler, D-8th NY
John Olver, D-1st MA
Bill Owens, D-23rd NY
Chellie Pingree, D-1st ME
Jared Polis, D-2nd CO
Reid Ribble, R-8th WI
Kurt Schrader, D-5th OR
Louise Slaughter, D-28th NY
Adam Smith, D-9th WA
Pete Stark, D-13th CA
Mike Thompson, D-1st CA
Fred Upton, R-6th MI
Chris Van Hollen, D-8th MD
David Wu, D-1st OR
Peter Welch, D-At Large VT