Bill > S2442

This bill, known as the O DAIRY Act of 2025, aims to provide comprehensive support for organic dairy producers and processors through several key provisions. The bill extends the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) to help organic dairy farmers reduce losses beyond existing disaster programs, including those caused by increased feed or input costs that result in a significant net income decrease. It mandates improved data collection for organic milk, requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to establish programs that gather detailed information on organic feedstuff costs, production prices, and regional milk production. The bill also requires the development of a new safety net program specifically designed for organic dairy farms, with a focus on supporting small dairy operations. Additionally, the legislation creates an infrastructure investment funding program to enhance regional organic milk markets, supporting the development of new processing plants, institutional purchasing of local organic dairy products, and farm-level processing improvements. The bill establishes Regional Organic Dairy Market Specialists in major organic dairy producing regions to conduct research, provide recommendations, and potentially explore the feasibility of an organic dairy insurance program. To support these initiatives, the bill authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually for infrastructure investments and $5 million for market specialist research from fiscal years 2025 through 2029.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2442/all-info