A coalition of 62 stakeholders signed a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Committee Members calling for support of the Cultivating Organic Matter through the Promotion of Sustainable Techniques Act of 2021 (the COMPOST Act).

A copy of the letter is included below. You can also download PDFs of letters sent to House Agriculture Committee leadership or Senate Agriculture Committee leadership.

Stakeholders Letter to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees in Support of the COMPOST Act

October 27, 2021

House Committee on Agriculture
1301 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Re: Support for H.R. 4443, the COMPOST Act

Dear Members of the House Agriculture Committee:

The undersigned organizations and companies are working to promote a more circular bioeconomy by supporting the diversion of food scraps to composting and the use of valuable compost. We urge you to support action on H.R. 4443/S. 2388, the Cultivating Organic Matter through the Promotion of Sustainable Techniques Act of 2021 (the COMPOST Act).

The COMPOST Act is designed to meet the growing demand from individuals and businesses to compost food scraps and certified compostable packaging, assisting with the transition to a circular economy. Unfortunately, many communities lack access to composting programs that can meet their range of need.

To help fill this critical infrastructure gap, the COMPOST Act would create new USDA grant and loan guarantee programs for composting infrastructure projects, including both large-scale composting facilities as well as farm, home, or community-based projects. The bill would also promote composting as a conservation practice by farmers.

Increased investment in composting infrastructure can help our country address growing concerns about the changing climate and depleted soils while creating jobs, particularly in underserved rural and urban communities. Composting is also one of the most environmentally friendly means of organic waste disposal, and the COMPOST Act represents a powerful opportunity to help reach net zero emission goals.

Investing in composting infrastructure promotes rural development, sustainability, and job creation. As supporters of a more sustainable future, we urge you to consider action on the COMPOST Act.

Sincerely,