The 2023 farm bill should gradually scale up federal funding for organic agriculture research and extension to $100 million a year, said the National Organic Coalition on Tuesday. The alliance of farm, environment and consumer groups also said the USDA should dedicate $75 million a year to developing seeds and animal breeds that are adapted to regional climates and soils.
“Organic agriculture is a systems-based approach to growing food that has scientifically proven benefits,” said NOC executive director Abby Youngblood. “Now is the time to ramp up support to help farmers produce food using organic practices and to increase tools and resources for organic producers who contribute to the well-being of ecosystems and communities.”
Separately, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives said the farm bill should reserve 13 percent of USDA conservation program funding, equal to the Black share of the U.S. population, for Black farmers, ranchers and landowners. At present, 5 percent of funding is dedicated to farmers of color.