Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Organic Farmers from Fraudulent Imports

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Shontel Brown (OH-11) today introduced the bipartisan Organic Imports Verification Act, legislation to protect American organic farmers from fraudulent imports and strengthen consumer confidence in the organic label. The legislation would increase residue testing and oversight of imported feedstuffs to ensure foreign suppliers meet standards consistent with those required of U.S. organic producers.

"American farmers play by the rules, and they deserve a level playing field with their foreign competitors," said Rep. Nunn. "Right now, imports can come into this country labeled 'organic' without facing the same testing as American producers. That's not fair to Iowa farmers or to the families paying extra because they trust the organic label. Our bill makes sure that if you want to sell a product as organic in America, you have to earn that label."

Organic certification requires significant time, investment, and compliance from U.S. farmers. Yet, under current law, imported feedstuffs can enter the U.S. based solely on foreign-issued certifications, without the routine residue testing that helps verify compliance with U.S. organic standards. This loophole allows questionable imports to undercut American farmers on price and undermines confidence in the integrity of the organic marketplace.

In 2024, the United States imported 1.3 million metric tons of organic feedstuffs by ship, with an estimated 80 percent originating from countries where organic compliance is difficult to verify. That volume is equivalent to the production of approximately 800,000 acres of domestic organic farmland and represents an estimated $1 billion in lost market opportunity for American organic producers.

"When Americans buy organic, they need to know and trust that they are getting the highest quality product," said Rep. Brown. "Unfortunately, many imported products are labeled as organic, but do not meet the high standard that the USDA has set, hurting American farmers and consumers. The Organic Imports Verification Act would help ensure that organic labels are accurate, improving food quality and ensuring fairness for American farmers. I'm proud to partner with Congressman Nunn on this bipartisan legislation and look forward to advancing this effort in this Congress."

"As a sixth-generation farmer, I have seen firsthand the need for stronger verification of imported organic feedstuffs," said Amy Bruch, 6th Generation Farmer, Cyclone Farms. "What started as a solution to a longstanding challenge facing organic farmers grew into a grassroots movement as farmers across the country rallied around the need for greater verification, transparency, and consumer trust. I appreciate the leadership of Representative Brown, Representative Nunn, and the many stakeholders who helped transform that farmer-led effort into bipartisan legislation that strengthens organic integrity, supports American farmers, reinforces consumer confidence in the organic seal, and helps ensure everyone competes by the same rules."

"A fair marketplace is essential for organic farmers to thrive," said Abby Youngblood, Executive Director, National Organic Coalition. "We are grateful to Representatives Shontel Brown (D-OH) and Zach Nunn (R-IA) for their leadership in listening to the needs of organic grain producers and introducing legislation to help address fraud using a risk-based approach. NOC urges legislators to ensure that this legislation is included in the final Farm Bill, along with adequate Farm Bill funding for core organic programs to provide more opportunities for the growing organic sector."

"The Iowa Organic Association supports policies that strengthen trust in the organic marketplace and protect the investments made by organic farmers," said Ethan Book, Education & Outreach Coordinator, Iowa Organic Association. "Organic producers depend on fair competition and confidence in the organic label. We are grateful to Iowa's 3rd District Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA), as well as Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH), for their leadership on this issue and for working across party lines to address concerns raised by organic farmers. By improving oversight and accountability within organic grain markets, this legislation helps safeguard the integrity of organic agriculture and supports the continued success of organic farming communities throughout Iowa and the nation."

"OFA supports this initiative to protect the integrity of the U.S. market for organic feed," said Pryor Garnett of Garnett's Red Prairie Farm, President, Organic Farmers Association. "By testing imported organic feedstuffs for prohibited chemicals, and excluding from the organic supply chain those which fail testing, this bill will level the playing field for domestic organic farmers and will strengthen consumer confidence in the integrity of the USDA organic seal."

"Organic farming is not a shortcut. It requires years of transition, significant investment, and a commitment to doing things the right way," said Megan Holz, Organic Farmer, Rippley, Iowa. "Farmers make long-term investments in their land, their businesses, and their communities with the expectation that the marketplace will operate fairly. We believe in competition, but it must be fair competition. Strengthening verification of imported organic feedstuffs through residue testing is a practical step that helps protect organic integrity, promote a fair and transparent marketplace, and ensure farmers who follow the rules are not undercut by those who do not."

Specifically, the Organic Imports Verification Act would:

• Require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Organic Agricultural Product Imports Interagency Working Group, to develop and regularly update risk-based testing protocols for imported bulk organic feedstuffs.
  
• Require the USDA to submit annual reports to Congress detailing residue testing activities, methodologies, analytical standards, findings, and any enforcement actions taken.
  
• Authorize USDA to take corrective action, including halting the sale of imported organic products that test positive for prohibited substances or contaminants.

The Organic Imports Verification Act is the House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Tina Smith (D-MN).

The legislation is supported by the Organic Trade Association, Organic Farmers Association, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Organic Association, and the National Organic Coalition.

Text of the bill is available here.

###