It took 12 years for organic standards to be introduced and one night to undermine them. 
As Congress faced the time pressure of completing the Omnibus Spending Bill, one company, without regard for the wishes of the public or other businesses, convinced their legislators to support a devastating exception to the new national organic rule.
Section 771 of the 2003 federal spending bill is a one-sentence rider that would undo decades of work by allowing livestock producers to label their meat, poultry and dairy products as “organic” even if the animals are fed conventional feed rather than organic feed. The result is bad legislation that hurts consumers and farmers across the U.S.
The good news is this section can be repealed and the integrity of organic restored. Over 65 Senators and over 75 Representatives have already co-sponsored companion bills to repeal section 771. While this is remarkable, the number of Representative co-sponsors must increase for this bill to pass.
You can help today. Sign this petition to tell Congress that supporting HR.955 is good for business – good for the economy – and good for the environment.
Dear Representative,
I am concerned about maintaining stringent standards for organic agricultural production.
By co-sponsoring the Farr-Kind bill to repeal section 771(HR. 955), you support what’s best for shoppers, businesses, and the environment. HR. 955 will repeal a loophole in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The loophole, Section 771 of the spending bill, would enable livestock producers to disregard organic feed requirements for organic livestock. This loophole is unacceptable.
Sales of organic products in the US have increased at least 20% each year for a decade, making organic agriculture one of the bright spots for US agriculture. This growth is driven in part by the demand for organic feed and other organic materials and ingredients, which in turn, gives our farmers additional opportunities to earn a living on their farms. US national organic standards, implemented in Oct. 2002, require that organic farmers follow strict production standards in order to sell their products as organic. For livestock, those standards include using only organic feed.
Please allow the USDA to enforce stringent US organic standards by co-sponsoring the HR 955 to repeal section 771. This loophole is a mistake that can be easily corrected with your support. For an update on co-sponsorship of HR 955, contact Representative Farr’s office, Troy Phillips, 202-225-2861 or troy.phillips@mail.house.gov.
Thank you for your concern for voters like me, and for your concern in maintaining stringent organic standards.
