The Organic Consumers Association is an online and grassroots non-profit public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. 

 

OCA works with issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics. Formed in 1998 in the wake of the mass backlash by organic consumers against the U.S. Department of Agriculture's controversial proposed national regulations for organic food, OCA worked with allies to mobilize hundreds of thousands of consumers to pressure the USDA and organic companies to preserve strict organic standards. In its public education, network building, and mobilization activities, OCA works with a broad range of public interest organizations to challenge industrial agriculture, corporate globalization, and inspire consumers to "Buy Local, Organic, and Fair Made."

OCA's overall political program involves a six-point platform calling for:

 

• The conversion of American agriculture to at least 30% organic by the year 2015, including major reforms in agricultural subsidies and appropriations to help family farmers make the transition to organic, develop local and regional markets, and adopt renewable energy practices.

 

• Fair Trade and economic justice, not so-called corporate-driven "Free Trade" as the global norm.

 

• A global moratorium on genetically engineered foods and crops.

 

 

• A phase-out of the most dangerous industrial agriculture and factory farming practices.

 

• Universal health care with an emphasis on prevention, nutrition, and wellness promotion.

 

• Energy independence and the conversion of US and global agriculture, transportation, and utilities to conservation practices and renewable energy.