Proposed bill aims to speed organic certification for new producers

A bill introduced in Congress would allow some farmers to move more quickly into organic production by offering an alternative to the current three-year transition period required for organic certification.

The Meeting Demand for Organic Produce Act would create a voluntary “test-out” option for producers who can demonstrate that no prohibited substances are present in their soil or growing medium. Under existing rules, land must be managed using organic practices for three years before crops can be certified organic.

The legislation was introduced Feb. 5 by Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash.

“Farmers looking to move to organic production are often strained by the regulatory burden of the three-year transition rule,” said Newhouse in a press release. “Allowing producers to test out of the transition period allows high-quality, certified organic products to reach store shelves faster while upholding the standards consumers expect.”

If enacted, the bill would allow farmers to use testing methods approved by the U.S. secretary of agriculture to verify the absence of prohibited substances. Producers who meet that requirement could immediately continue the organic certification process, while still being required to meet all other certification standards.

The legislation is supported by the Organic Produce Association.

“The Organic Produce Association applauds the introduction of this legislation, which would help farmers seeking to transition to organic agriculture by establishing a voluntary test-out option,” Theojary Crisantes, chairman of the Organic Produce Association, said in a release. “This approach supports producers while maintaining the integrity of organic standards.”

The three-year transition period was established under the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 to ensure that residues from synthetic substances used in conventional farming were eliminated before certification. Supporters of the bill argue that advances in agricultural practices and testing technology since that time support a more flexible approach.

Advocates say the mandatory waiting period can create a financial barrier for farmers whose land has never been exposed to prohibited substances, delaying entry into organic markets as consumer demand for organic products continues to grow.