February 23, 2019 – Congressman Jimmy Panetta brought a group of organic growers and researchers to his office in Salinas on February 22nd to discuss organic production on the Central Coast with Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL). Davis serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and is chair of the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research. The discussion focused on the needs of the industry going into the 2018 Farm Bill.
OFRF Executive Director Brise Tencer was invited to talk about the importance of organic research in helping farmers meet the growing demand for organic food. Other items on the table included ensuring the integrity of imports, maintaining a strong National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), and making sure conservation programs work for organic farmers.
Also in attendance: Jo Ann Baumgartner, Executive Director of the Wild Farm Alliance; Dale Coke, Coke Farm; David Mancera, Farm Business Advisor at Kitchen Table Advisors; Eric Brennan, USDA-ARS; and Tom Brose, Live Earth Farm.