June 9, 2025
Washington, DC – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) today applauded the re-establishment of the bipartisan House Organic Caucus for the 119th Congress. Led by Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Tony Wied (R-Wisc.), and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), the caucus will once again serve as a legislative voice for fresh produce farmers and the supply chain.
“I am proud to join my colleagues in relaunching the House Organic Caucus where we will continue to be a voice for organic producers,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Organic agriculture delivers high quality, fresh products to communities across the country, and our caucus is key in elevating the industry’s challenges to other Members of Congress. I look forward to hearing from producers this Congress as we work to strengthen the agriculture industry and support hardworking American farmers.”
“I’m proud to serve as a co-chair of the Bipartisan House Organic Caucus for the 119th Congress,” said Rep. Wied. “The organic industry continues to grow rapidly, offering fresh and healthy food choices for consumers. Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for the number of organic farms, and I’m honored to advocate for this crucial sector of our agricultural economy.”
“Despite the promise of this growing agricultural sector, organic producers continue to face barriers,” said Rep. Panetta. “That’s why I’m proud to relaunch the House Organic Caucus alongside my co-chairs to advance bipartisan solutions that invest in research, expand opportunities, and strengthen the organic supply chain. By supporting organic agriculture, we’re supporting our family farms, our rural communities, and the growing number of American consumers who choose organic every day.”
“Organic food isn’t just good for our health; it’s good for our farmers, our economy, and our planet,” said Rep. Pingree. “As a proud organic farmer, I’ve seen firsthand how organic practices can improve soil resilience, boost profitability for farmers, and meet the growing consumer demand for cleaner, healthier foods. The relaunch of the House Organic Caucus is an important step in ensuring that organic agriculture has a strong voice in Congress—and that the American people can continue to benefit from these smart, sensible practices. I’m proud to serve as a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Organic Caucus and look forward to working with Congressmen Newhouse, Panetta, Wied and other organic advocates to elevate these issues in Congress.”
"The relaunch of the House Organic Caucus comes at a pivotal time for organic agriculture and the fresh produce industry,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “We are grateful to Reps. Newhouse, Panetta, Wied, and Pingree for their leadership in reaffirming Congress’s commitment to the organic community and its essential contributions to consumers and rural economies, especially as IFPA, in partnership with our members’ expertise, continues to address organic issues through collaborating with policymakers and regulators.”
To mark the occasion, the House Organic Caucus will celebrate alongside the fresh produce and floral industry during IFPA’s The Washington Conference, hosting an exclusive reception for caucus members and organic fresh produce industry stakeholders. IFPA looks forward to welcoming lawmakers and partners in recognizing the value of organic agriculture and exploring policy priorities that support its continued growth.
Originally founded in 2003, the House Organic Caucus was created to promote policies that support organic agriculture and to educate members of Congress and their staff on the practices, programs, and priorities of the organic sector. The caucus is a critical platform for advancing organic agriculture and ensuring a united voice for organic integrity.