NEWS: Sens. Schiff, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Organic Certification Oversight

The Risk-Based Oversight for Integrity Act Would Reduce Burdens on Farmers While Protecting Consumer Confidence in Organic Products

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) introduced the bipartisan Risk-Based Oversight for Integrity Act, legislation that would modernize the U.S. Department of Agriculture's oversight of organic certification by focusing resources on higher-risk operations while reducing unnecessary burdens on farmers and businesses with strong compliance records.

The organic sector plays a critical role in American agriculture; however, current federal oversight requirements apply the same inspection standards to every operation regardless of risk level. Under the existing system, small family farms that have maintained compliance for years face the same annual inspection requirements as larger, more complex operations, creating increased costs and administrative burdens that do little to improve organic integrity.

"California is the leading organic agriculture state in our nation, and it's crucial that we reduce unnecessary burdens for farmers," said Senator Schiff. "This bipartisan bill will modify the oversight process to allow small organic farms to stay in business while maintaining the integrity of the organic label for consumers."

"Pennsylvania's organic farmers work hard to meet rigorous standards and provide consumers with high-quality products they can trust," said Senator McCormick. "This bipartisan legislation takes a smarter approach to oversight by focusing resources where they are needed most, reducing unnecessary burdens on our farmers, and strengthening confidence in the organic label. By modernizing the certification process, we can support American agriculture while maintaining the integrity consumers expect."

Since 2020, the number of certified organic crop operations in the United States has declined by more than 10 percent, while certified organic livestock operations have fallen by more than 6 percent. Meanwhile, current oversight practices fail to focus inspections and enforcement on the operations that present the greatest risk to organic integrity.

The Risk-Based Oversight for Integrity Act would:

• Define "risk to organic integrity" based on the likelihood that products labeled as organic do not comply with federal organic standards.
• Modernize inspection requirements by allowing risk-based inspection schedules for domestic operations, requiring on-site inspections no less than once every three years while permitting annual virtual inspections for lower-risk operations. Foreign operations would continue to be subject to annual on-site inspections.
• Direct USDA to conduct a comprehensive 12-month study evaluating risk-based oversight protocols and potential reforms.
• Require USDA to engage with certified organic farmers, businesses, certifying agents, the National Organic Standards Board, organic consumers, and other stakeholders throughout the review process.
• Authorize USDA to implement risk-based oversight regulations informed by the study's findings and consultation with Congress.

The legislation is supported by the Organic Trade Association, Organic Farmers Association, National Organic Coalition, and Accredited Certifiers Association.

Representative Tony Wied (R-Wis.-08) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The Risk-Based Oversight for Integrity Act is supported by the following stakeholders:

"Our organic oversight system shouldn't burden low-risk farmers while losing ground to foreign producers," said Tom Chapman, co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. "It's no surprise we've seen domestic organic operations decline since 2020, with foreign producers stepping in to fill the gap. We thank Senator McCormick and Senator Schiff for introducing the Risk-Based Oversight for Integrity Act which concentrates oversight where the risk is greatest while making certification accessible to low-risk farmers. The Organic Trade Association is proud to support this legislation and looks forward to advancing it alongside champions on both sides of the aisle." 

"Organic integrity and strong oversight are essential to maintaining trust in the organic seal," said Chris Solt, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO). "The Rightsizing Organic Integrity (ROI) Act recognizes that not all operations present the same level of risk and creates a pathway for USDA to focus oversight resources where they are needed most. By reducing unnecessary burdens on low-risk operations while maintaining rigorous standards, this legislation strengthens organic integrity and helps ensure organic certification remains accessible for farmers and businesses across the United States."

Background: Senator Schiff is the first senator from California to serve on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in over 30 years. This week, the Senator introduced bipartisan legislation to require the USDA to assess how to lower barriers for organic farmers to access USDA programs. Earlier this month, Schiff introduced six new pieces of legislation aimed at expanding support and market access for specialty crop farmers and to level the playing field for California growers in the upcoming Farm Bill. Last week, Senator Schiff introduced a bill to codify two regional food supply chain programs at USDA as well as a bill to increase food banks' access to fresh produce. He also recently outlined his priorities for the next Farm Bill and his plans to push for a bill that advances economic opportunity, health, sustainability, national security, and prosperity. During the first year and a half of the Senator's term on the Senate Agriculture Committee, he has visited farms across the entirety of California, learning about the Golden State's countless agricultural industries, including strawberries, almonds, broccoli, celery, and leafy greens. 

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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