Bipartisan Bill Would Help Oregon Organic Farmers Modernize, Expand Businesses

U.S. Oregon Representative Andrea Salinas introduced bipartisan legislation Wednesday to help organic farmers and producers expand their businesses and meet growing demand.

The Domestic Organic Investment Act would make permanent a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that provides grants to farmers and businesses to address supply chain gaps in the organic market, according to Salinas' office.

Salinas, who represents Oregon's 6th Congressional District, co-sponsored the bill with Senators Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin; Susan Collins, R-Maine; and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wisconsin.

Certified organic sales have grown to more than $71.4 billion in 2024, but domestic organic acreage has not kept pace with demand for organic products, according to Salinas's office.

"Oregon has long been a national leader in organic agriculture, yet too many of our growers still face hurdles when it comes to getting their crops onto grocery store shelves," Salinas said. "Whether it's the lack of modern processing facilities, storage capacity, or the technology needed to stay competitive, these gaps stop family farms across Oregon from reaching their full potential."

The legislation would codify the Organic Market Development Grant program administered by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. The program would increase capacity in the domestic organic supply chain, modernize manufacturing and storage systems, expand processing and distribution capacity, and support market development for domestically produced organic products.