Advocacy

Organic 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.

USDA Organic label is seen on a bag of gala apples.

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.

Director, Workforce & Business Policy

IFPA Organic Committee members with House Organic Caucus Co-Chair Representative Jimmy Panetta

Ask your U.S. representative to
join the House Organic Caucus.

Organic Produce Quick Facts

Various organic vegetables.

In the past 12 months (through 10/04/2026), organic produce department dollar sales were up .5%, volume was up 1.3%

Green fileds with bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds.

Certified organic cropland acres have increased by 45% between 2015 and 2025

Net bag holding various orgainic 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

Wooden crate of various vegetables with a wooden arrow pointing upwards on the side of the crate.

In 2025, the percentage of produce at retail that was grown organically was up 12.5%, and shows growing demand

2026-2027 Action Plan

IFPA will work 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:

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.

Support for Organic Research - Organic research remains one of IFPA's top Farm Bill priorities. Continued support for the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) is essential to advancing solutions for key industry challenges, including pest and disease management, organic seed availability, and production efficiency.

IFPA led the following letter urging the Senate Agriculture Committee to maintain strong support for OREI and ensure federal research investments continue to meet the evolving needs of organic growers and businesses
House Organic Caucus Engagement - IFPA leads off the House Organic Caucus Relaunch for the 119th Congressional Session. Our Organic Committee looks forward to engaging with the Caucus co-chairs on organic-specific legislative asks. See the press release here.

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 2026 NOSB Agenda Comments

IFPA Spring 2026 NOSB Agenda Comments

IFPA Fall 2025 NOSB Agenda Comments

IFPA Spring 2025 NOSB Agenda Comments

IFPA Fall 2024 NOSB Agenda Comments

IFPA Spring 2024 NOSB Agenda Comments

Advancing Organic Seed Policy: IFPA’s Ongoing Commitment
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is proud to share the results of a months-long initiative focused on the critical issue of organic seed. In response to growing interest from regulators and industry leaders, IFPA’s Organic Committee formed an Organic Seed Working Group to gather insights and elevate the voice of the fresh produce sector on this topic.

This report—developed following input from across the industry and aligned with discussions from the 2024 National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) fall meeting—was shared with USDA and key policymakers to help shape the future of organic seed standards. The resulting report identifies key barriers to organic seed usage and outlines priority areas for research and policy development.

Key challenges and opportunities identified include:

Limited availability of organic seed
Geographic and environmental barriers to commercial production
The need for organic-compliant pest and disease management solutions
Strong industry support for maintaining current organic seed standards

This effort represents the first step in IFPA’s ongoing thought leadership and engagement on organic seed policy. Our work will continue through sustained collaboration with growers, seed companies, and regulators to ensure a resilient organic seed supply.

Read the full report.

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.

Organic Policy Resources:

Important Upcoming Dates

June 14-16, 2027
IFPA Washington Conference, Washington, DC

Questions?

Sara L. Neagu-Reed

Sara L. Neagu-Reed

Director, Production & Environmental Policy

+1 (202)303-3405
Email Sara L. Neagu-Reed