Welch Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Support Vermont’s Organic Farmers and Producers

Legislation would make permanent the USDA grant program that helps organic food producers grow their businesses to meet rising market demand 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined the Domestic Organic Investment Act, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), which would give organic producers tools to increase capacity, modernize their operations, and

expand their businesses to meet growing demand.  The lawmakers’ bill would make a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program permanent that helps solve supply chain gaps for the organic market by providing grants to farmers and businesses.  

While certified organic sales have grown to over $76.6 billion in 2026, domestic organic acreage has not kept pace with demand for organic products. U.S. Representatives Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

“Vermont is proud to lead the nation in organic agriculture—13% of farmland in our small state is dedicated to producing world-class organic crops. While our farmers aren’t afraid of the hard work required to meet the rising demand for organic products, supply chain gaps have made it difficult for organic farmers to get shelf space that’s crucial to growing their business,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan push to support America’s organic farmers and keep Vermont’s organic industry strong for years to come.” 

“Maine’s organic agriculture industry continues to grow at a rapid pace with the support of federal investments and strong market demand. However, many organic producers still face challenges in expanding their operations and accessing new markets,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would make permanent the USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant program and help organic food producers in Maine and across the country modernize their operations, expand their capacity, and better compete in today’s global marketplace.” 

“Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland, and to keep that legacy, we need to support our farmers and make sure they can meet the demands of families. With the demand for organic foods continuing to skyrocket, we need to make sure that any farmer who wants to grow their business, has the tools and resources to do it,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m working with Democrats and Republicans so more organic farmers can expand their operations, support good paying jobs, and continue to be the beating heart of our rural communities.” 

“I’ve heard directly from Wisconsin’s organic farmers about the challenges they face getting their products to market, and this bill delivers real solutions. By making this program permanent, we’re helping family farmers modernize, expand, and stay competitive in a rapidly growing industry. I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the people who feed our nation,” said Rep. Van Orden.   

“Oregon has long been a national leader in organic agriculture, yet too many of our growers still face hurdles when it comes to getting their crops onto grocery store shelves,” said Rep. Salinas. “Whether it’s the lack of modern processing facilities, storage capacity, or the technology needed to stay competitive, these gaps stop family farms across Oregon from reaching their full potential. This bill will invest in our organic growers, supporting local jobs, reducing reliance on imports, and ensuring Oregon farmers remain at the forefront of a resilient, innovative organic economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their work to support organic farmers in Oregon and across the country.”   

The Domestic Organic Investment Act would codify the USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant program administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service. The development program will: 

• Increase the capacity of the domestic organic product supply chain for producers, handlers, suppliers, and processors of certified organic products; 

• Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems; 

• Improve the capacity of eligible entities to comply with applicable regulatory requirements or quality standards required to access markets; 

• Expand capacity for processing, aggregation, and distribution of certified organic products to create more and better markets for producers of certified organic products; facilitate market development for domestically produced certified organic products; 

• Conduct feasibility studies and market viability assessments to inform organic transition strategies and opportunities; 

• Address barriers to entry to organic product certification for historically underserved entities; and 

• Support market and promotional activities that help build commercial markets for certified organic products in the United States. 

The Domestic Organic Investment Act is endorsed by Organic Valley, the Organic Trade Association, and the International Fresh Produce Association. 

“We are deeply grateful to the sponsoring lawmakers for introducing this important and timely DOIA legislation,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO, Organic Trade Association. “These infrastructure investments will remove long-standing barriers to give organic producers and manufacturers the capacity and resources they need to meet the rapidly growing consumer demand for the benefits of organic.” 

Read and download the full text of the bill.