119th (2025–2027)
S. 4904
This bill modernizes how the federal government oversees organic farming and food production by directing a comprehensive study on risk-based inspection approaches. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must complete the study within one year and submit findings to Congress within 18 months, examining whether oversight should focus more heavily on higher-risk operations while reducing burdens on lower-risk certified organic farms and handlers. The bill allows the USDA Secretary to issue new regulations based on the study findings that could include a tiered inspection system, virtual inspections for lower-risk domestic operations (with in-person inspections required every three years), and different compliance standards depending on the level of risk to organic product integrity. The legislation affects organic farmers, food processors, certifying agents, and consumers by potentially streamlining inspections while maintaining strong protections against fraud and ensuring products labeled organic are genuinely produced according to federal standards. Any new regulations must go through at least a 90-day public comment period and maintain the core integrity of the national organic program.