Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Groundbreaking news:
Equity for organic farmers

Before going on the August break, the House of Representatives approved the 2007 Farm Bill, which includes more than $300 million for organic agriculture.

Also included in the bill is a major revision to the crop insurance rates required of organic farmers, which has been higher than for non-organics. From a press release put out by the Organic Trade Association:

In addition to the funding, the House of Representatives also directed the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to provide equitable crop insurance to organic producers. Currently, organic producers pay a 5% surcharge, and if losses occur, they are paid at the conventional, not the organic, price.
Non-organic farmers do not have to pay the 5% surcharge. Why do the organics? Do they have different droughts? Floods? They deal with pests, just without chemicals.

This would be a big help in bringing down the price of organic foods. Please contact your US Senators' office and request that they support this provision of the 2007 Farm bill.


  1. Organic products meet stringent standards
  2. Organic food tastes great!
  3. Organic production reduces health risks
  4. Organic farms respect our water resources
  5. Organic farmers build healthy soil
  6. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
  7. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research
  8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity
  9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy
  10. Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!

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