Organics Policy

With a growing organic sector in the fresh produce industry and increasing participation throughout the supply chain, IFPA aims to be at the forefront of organic policy issues that our members face. Recently, there have been policies and regulations that affect our industry, thus IFPA has created the Organics Committee as a resource for our industry.

With representation across the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, the Organics Committee brings a valuable perspective and level of expertise. The IFPA Government Relations team, with input from the Organics Committee, regularly meets and communicates with the Administration, Members of Congress and other stakeholders with regards to organic policy.

Organic Produce Quick Facts

In the past 12 months, organic department produce dollar sales are up .03% and volume sales are up 3%. Price per volume rose 4.6%

Circle of bright green fields with a bright blue sky and puffy white clouds.

Between 2011 and 2021, certified organic cropland acres increased by 79%

Eco friendly natural bag with organic fruits and vegetables.

In 2021, retail sales of organic fresh fruit and vegetables were estimated to be $19.2 billion, being the top category of organically grown foods

Group of assorted fruits and vegetables in a wood box with an upward arrow.

In 2023, the percentage of organic versus conventional sold at retail was 9.3%, showing growing demand.

2024-2025 Action Plan

IFPA will work the with the Trump Administration and Congress to develop sensible policies regarding current and future organics regulation. This includes engagement with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), and all new regulatory requirements or policy decisions.

As the face of organic for the produce industry, the IFPA Organic Committee will prioritize the following topics for the year:

Basket full of freshly plucked various vegetables with the number 01

A Farm Bill for Organics

The new Farm Bill holds significant importance for organic stakeholders and farmers due to its direct impact on agricultural policies and programs. This comprehensive legislation, periodically renewed by Congress, encompasses various provisions that influence all production, including organic production. IFPA is committed to leading on organic priorities in the Farm Bill. We are doing this through the support of specific marker bills that will enhance organic agriculture research and improve the process by which USDA solicits input directly from the organic industry.

Organic hydroponic vegetable garden with the number 02.

NOP and NOSB Priorities, Work Agendas, and Sunset Reviews

Active engagement with the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is critical in ensuring the continued success and growth of the organic fresh produce industry, particularly during the annual sunset review process for agricultural inputs allowed in organic production. The listing of inputs undergoing sunset review in 2025 and additional priority work items are listed below:

IFPA Fall 2024 NOSB Agenda Comments
IFPA Spring 2024 NOSB Agenda Comments
NOSB Active and Ongoing Work Items

Furthermore, IFPA’s Organic Committee will focus on organic seed through a working group. The National Organic Program (NOP) is seeking input on several critical issues related to organic seed, which is a hot topic for our fresh produce community, and we are being presented with a unique opportunity to help shape the future of organic seed standards.

Our working group will collaborate over the coming months through virtual meetings and survey collections to provide insights on key issues, including:

Price
Availability of organic seed
Commodity-specific issues
Other price considerations

We aim to provide the NOP with a comprehensive understanding of the organic seed landscape, sharing examples from a variety of growers. We will also highlight how these factors influence both your operations and those across the broader organic fresh produce sector.

Red and yellow onions with the number 03.

Continued Organic Educational Efforts

In an era of information overload, our goal is to enhance lawmakers' and consumers' understanding of organic practices and principles. By fostering better-informed decision-making, we aim to ensure that policy and consumer choices align with the values of the organic sector.

Get involved and share your story working in the organic produce industry with the IFPA’s “Fresh Faces” virtual meeting series. This series will bring together our members from across the country to meet directly with new Members of Congress and their staff. Follow this link for more information!

Organic Policy Resources:

Important Upcoming Dates

June 9-11, 2025 I IFPA The Washington Conference I Washington, DC
July 9-10, 2025 I OPN Organic Produce Summit I Monterey, CA
October 16-18, 2025 | IFPA The Global Produce & Floral Show | Anaheim, CA

To learn more about Organic Policy, please contact:

Sara L.Neagu-Reed, Director, Production & Environmental Policy

Organic Policy