Organic producers can still rally for farm bill

Organic producers can still rally for organics in the farm bill. Theresa Podoll, board member for the Organic Farming Research Foundation, told farmers at the Minnesota Organic Conference to call lawmakers in support of organic production provisions in the farm bill. The House and Senate have passed their versions but changes can be made as final wording is debated in conference committee, she said.

OFRF wants its proportional share of research dollars and is seeking $25 million per year in mandatory funds for the Organic Agriculture Research Extension Initiative. The final House version sets $5 million per year and the Senate version, $16 million per year.

The organization also wants crop insurance for organic producers without the current 5 percent surcharge and, if a claim is made, to be paid at organic market prices instead of conventional. Data collection is needed for the market price, Podoll said.