Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Organic Farmers from Fraudulent Imports

Subscribe For Newsletter Updates! M About Blog News Priorities Issues Sponsored Legislation SHARE YOUR OPINION: 2025 Farm Bill SHARE YOUR OPINION: What are your priorities? 21 County Tours Serving You Get help with a Federal Agency Service Academy Nominations Visit DC Grant Program Application Internships Commendations and Greetings Congressional App Challenge Purchase a Flag Help for Veterans Mobile Office Hours Iowa Medal of Merit Contact Email Zach Get E-Mail Updates Office Locations Website Problem Follow Follow Follow Follow Jun 24, 2026 | News , Press Releases Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Organic Farmers from Fraudulent Imports WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Shontel Brown (OH-11) today introduced the bipartisan Organic Imports Verification Act , legislation to protect American organic farmers from fraudulent imports and strengthen consumer confidence in the organic label. The legislation would increase residue testing and oversight of imported feedstuffs to ensure foreign suppliers meet standards consistent with those required of U.S. organic producers. “American farmers play by the rules, and they deserve a level playing field with their foreign competitors,” said Rep. Nunn . “Right now, imports can come into this country labeled ‘organic’ without facing the same testing as American producers. That’s not fair to Iowa farmers or to the families paying extra because they trust the organic label. Our bill makes sure that if you want to sell a product as organic in America, you have to earn that label.” Organic certification requires significant time, investment, and compliance from U.S. farmers. Yet, under current law, imported feedstuffs can enter the U.S. based solely on foreign-issued certifications, without the routine residue testing that helps verify compliance with U.S. organic standards. This loophole allows questionable imports to undercut American farmers on price and undermines confidence in the integrity of the organic marketplace. In 2024, the United States imported 1.3 million metric tons of organic feedstuffs by ship, with an estimated 80 percent originating from countries where organic compliance is difficult to verify. That volume is equivalent to the production of approximately 800,000 acres of domestic organic farmland and represents an estimated $1 billion in lost market opportunity for American organic producers. “When Americans buy organic, they need to know and trust that they are getting the highest quality product,” said Rep. Brown . “Unfortunately, many imported products are labeled as organic, but do not meet the high standard that the USDA has set, hurting American farmers and consumers. The Organic Imports Verification Act would help ensure that organic labels are accurate, improving food quality and ensuring fairness for American farmers. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Nunn on this bipartisan legislation and look forward to advancing this effort in this Congress.” “As a sixth-generation farmer, I have seen firsthand the need for stronger verification of imported organic feedstuffs,” said Amy Bruch, 6th Generation Farmer, Cyclone Farms . “What started as a solution to a longstanding challenge facing organic farmers grew into a grassroots movement as farmers across the country rallied around the need for greater verification, transparency, and consumer trust. I appreciate the leadership of Representative Brown, Representative Nunn, and the many stakeholders who helped transform that farmer-led effort into bipartisan legislation that strengthens organic integrity, supports American farmers, reinforces consumer confidence in the organic seal, and helps ensure everyone competes by the same rules.” “A fair marketplace is essential for organic farmers to thrive,” said Abby Youngblood, Executive Director, National Organic Coalition . “We are grateful to Representatives Shontel Brown (D-OH) and Zach Nunn (R-IA) for their leadership in listening to the needs of organic grain producers and introducing legislation to help address fraud using a risk-based approach. NOC urges legislators to ensure that this legislation is included in the final Farm Bill, along with adequate Farm Bill funding for core organic programs to provide more opportunities for the growing organic sector.” “The Iowa Organic Association supports policies that strengthen trust in the organic marketplace and protect the investments made by organic farmers,” said Ethan Book, Education & Outreach Coordinator, Iowa Organic Association . “Organic producers depend on fair competition and confidence in the organic label. We are grateful to Iowa’s 3rd District Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA), as well as Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH), for their leadership on this issue and for working across party lines to address concerns raised by organic farmers. By improving oversight and accountability within organic grain markets, this legislation helps safeguard the integrity of orga