NOC Supports Farm Bill Marker Bills to Strengthen Organic
Several important Farm Bill marker bills—all endorsed by the National Organic Coalition (NOC)—have been introduced in Congress. These bills reflect priorities for a stronger, more resilient organic sector and serve as key opportunities to shape the next Farm Bill.
A marker bill is proposed legislation that signals strong support for specific policy ideas and is intended to be included in the final Farm Bill package. While not guaranteed passage on their own, marker bills help build momentum and elevate key issues for lawmakers.
Here are four bills NOC is proud to support:
The New Producer Economic Security Act
(H.R. 2536 / S. 1237)
Introduced by Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and Zach Nunn (R-IA), and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), this bill authorizes a pilot program to help new and beginning farmers access land, capital, and markets through innovative, locally led solutions.
📄 Read the National Young Farmers Coalition press release »
📄 Share Young Farmers' action alert with your networks on social media utilizing the Partner Action Toolkit.
The Organic Science and Research Investment (OSRI) Act
(S. 1385)
Introduced by Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), this bill would boost funding and authority for organic-specific agricultural research. Increasing research capacity is essential to helping farmers meet challenges in organic production and ensuring the growth of the sector.
📄 Read the press release »
📝 Read the organic community support letter »
The Organic Import Verification Act (OIVA)
(S. 1398)
Introduced by Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), this bipartisan bill addresses the growing concern about fraudulent organic imports—particularly in organic grains—by requiring increased residue testing of imported organic feedstuffs.
📄 Read the press release from Sens. Ricketts and Smith »
📄 Read the Organic Farmers Association release with a quote from NOC’»
THE AGRICULTURE RESILIENCE ACT (ARA)
Introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), the ARA is bold legislation that sets a national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by 2040—while increasing farm profitability. The bill focuses on science-based, farmer-led solutions, including improved soil health, expanded research into climate-friendly practices, support for pasture-based livestock systems, and investments in on-farm renewable energy. Importantly, the ARA builds on practices long used by organic farmers and recognizes the critical role of organic agriculture in addressing the climate crisis.
📄 Read more about the Agriculture Resilience Act »
As Congress continues work on the Farm Bill, NOC will advocate for these important policy proposals to be incorporated in the final legislation. We’re grateful to the bill sponsors and partners advancing these priorities—and we’ll keep the organic community updated on their progress.