In the wake of the November elections, there are hopeful signs that a new Congress will finally be willing to put organics, and related life or death issues like climate change and world peace, on the table. Hopefully these new leaders will redirect a fair share of the USDA's annual $100 billion budget to help U.S. family farmers make the transition to organic, develop local markets, and incorporate renewable energy practices on their farms. Thirty- seven of the 48 Congressional Organic Caucus members retained their seats, while a significant number of new U.S. Senators and Representatives have a strong pro-organic record. Among the new faces in Congress who will likely strengthen the Organic Caucus are the following:

• Democrat Jon Tester won the Senate seat in Montana. Tester is an organic farmer and has been a leader in the organic movement since 1987.
• Democrats John Hall (NY) and Peter Welch (VT) both won seats in the House and will join the Organic Caucus. Both scored a perfect 100% on the Organic Consumers Fund (OCF) Candidate Survey.
• Democrat Paul Hodes (NH) joins the caucus after running on a platform supporting sustainable sources of energy, clean air and water, and addressing global warming.
• Democrat Chris Carney (PA)will bring a much needed voice to the caucus after winning his campaign that supports the "adoption of renewable sources of energy like hybrid technologies, geothermal energy, bio-diesel, solar energy, and wind power.
• Pro-family farm and organic agriculture Independent Bernie Sanders (VT) was elected to the U.S. Senate after serving in he House.

We'd like to thank everyone who encouraged their candidates to take part in the OCF Candidate Survey, and congratulate the new members of the Organic Caucus. It's not too late to get your elected officials to state their position on organic agriculture and related issues.

• Local businesses and farms produce more income, jobs, and tax receipts for local communities than big box stores do.
• Local businesses and farms are more likely to utilize local ads, banks and other services.
• Local businesses donate more money to nonprofits and are more accountable to their local communities.
• Supporting local businesses preserves the economic diversity of our communities and the unique character of our neighborhoods.
• Supporting local businesses and farmers is good for the environment, because it cuts down on fuel consumption. Buying locally produced goods reduces the need to ship goods from thousands of miles away and also cuts down on the distances shoppers travel.

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