In a rare bipartisan effort, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden have jointly introduced legislation aimed at expanding federal support for organic farmers.
The Domestic Organic Investment Act would create a permanent U.S. Department of Agriculture program to provide grants to organic growers and related businesses, according to a release from the lawmakers.
The push comes as demand for organic products continues to surge. Certified organic sales reached $71.4 billion in 2024, yet the amount of land dedicated to organic production has not kept pace. (RELATED: Wisconsin Crime Labs Face Financial Strain Resulting in Longer Turnaround Times)
Baldwin said the bill is designed to help farmers scale up to meet growing consumer needs. “With the demand for organic foods continuing to skyrocket, we need to make sure that any farmer who wants to grow their business has the tools and resources to do it,” she said, highlighting the importance of supporting jobs and strengthening rural communities, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Van Orden said the proposal grew out of direct conversations with Wisconsin farmers searching for practical solutions. “By making this program permanent, we’re helping family farmers modernize, expand, and stay competitive in a rapidly growing industry,” he said. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the people who feed our nation.”
If enacted, the legislation would strengthen supply chains, modernize manufacturing and storage systems, and support marketing efforts for organic producers. (RELATED: Lawsuit Foists Wisconsin in to National Redistricting Battle)
Wisconsin remains a national leader in the sector, with more than 1,455 certified organic farms covering over 245,000 acres — second only to California. According to University of Wisconsin–Madison data, organic agriculture in the state supports more than 2,000 jobs and generates roughly $424 million in revenue.
