OTA.COM 19 the Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR), are up for reelection, and there is an open seat in Vermont with Patrick Leahy’s (D-VT) retirement. Of the Senate Agriculture Committee members, only Ralph Warnock (D-GA) has a truly competitive race. Michael Bennet (D-CO) is facing a Republican challenger who could make his race somewhat more competitive. Outside of the Agriculture Committee, incumbents from states with high organic production are running for reelection in California, Indiana, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. Of those the most competitive races are Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ron Johnson (R-WI). There are also open seats in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with Pennsylvania being the most closely watched. Although the makeup of the Senate Agriculture Committee is much less likely to change than in the House, which party ends up controlling the Senate will have a big impact on farm bill negotiations. If it is Democrats, Debbie Stabenow will remain Chair of the committee, but she might be dealing with a Republican-controlled House, making split party control a central factor in negotiations. However, she is no stranger to this dynamic. When the 2014 farm bill was signed into law, Democrats controlled the Senate (Stabenow was Chair), while Republicans controlled the House. If Republicans take back control of the Senate, John Boozman will be poised to become Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee for the first time, putting his mark on the farm bill. House and Senate control by the opposing party could set up a collision course with the Democratic administration, though farm bills have traditionally been bipartisan affairs. One trend to watch that could have a chilling effect on the farm bill is the increased political polarization occurring in both parties. There are more candidates for Congress running to the far left and to the far right than in previous elections. The Agriculture Committee used to include a lot more moderate Democrats and Republicans who were inclined to negotiate, compromise, and actually legislate. Regardless of what happens this November, the only surefire way to protect and advance organic in the next farm bill is to cultivate support for the sector on both sides of the aisle. Megan DeBates is Vice President of Government Affairs for Organic Trade Association. HEALTHY INGREDIENTS Our portfolio includes non-GMO, organic and gluten-free pulses, grains, seeds, flax, Suntava Purple Corn™ and expeller oils. IntegriPure®, our micro reduction process, supports our supply chain, along with our specialty milling and blending capabilities. ASSURANCE Whether it’s regenerative agriculture or connecting to the farm, we are partnering with our customers to tell their story. We are dedicated to delivering safe, premium ingredients in partnership with our grower network. Goodness. It’s what we bring to the table. HFIfamily.com • 844-275-3443 At HFI, we’re meeting demand for sustainable, on-trend ingredients from transparency to innovation. © 2022 Healthy Food Ingredients. Product of USA. HFI Half-page Organic Report General 121721.indd 1 12/17/2021 1:56:54 PM Although the makeup of the Senate Agriculture Committee is much less likely to change than in the House, which party ends up controlling the Senate will have a big impact on farm bill negotiations.
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