The Organic Farmer and Consumer
Protection Act, introduced by Reps. John Faso (R-N.Y.) and Michelle
Lujan (D-N.M.), calls for a modernization of organic import documentation, new
technology advancements and stricter enforcement of organic products entering
the United States.
The bill, which would nearly
double funding for USDA’s oversight of the organic industry over the next five
years, has 33 House cosponsors who hope bipartisan support will enable its
passage this year, the Washington Post reported. The paper last
year published several stories casting doubt on the authenticity of organic
products including milk, eggs and imported grains.