March 2025 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
Frozen federal funds and USDA staff cuts a focus at OFA’s annual Advocacy Days in D.C.
Organic Farmers Association held our annual Farmer Fly-in in DC this March 3-5 where 32 certified organic farmers and representatives of organic organizations met with 51 Congressional offices, Committee Staff from the House and Senate Agriculture committees, and USDA staff from the National Organic Program. Our members came prepared to advocate for our 2025 legislative priorities; policies that can ensure domestic organic producers can take advantage of the domestic demand for organic products. However, the current events in Washington quickly became a focus.
Farmers spoke with elected officials about the recent executive order freezing many federal grants and programs, including USDA programs that organic farmers and organizations rely on. The freeze has caused a severe disruption to key conservation programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) as well as grants funded through the $3.1 billion Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, the $85 million Organic Market Development Grant program and the $100 million Transition to the Organic Partnership Program, all funded through the Commodities Credit Corporation. Click here to let your members of Congress know how important these funds are to organic farmers.
Another issue that OFA members discussed was the recent cuts to USDA staffing and the closure of state and regional USDA offices. Local USDA staff are key in helping organic producers access and understand program applications, providing technical assistance, and delivering essential services to farmers. Office closures, particularly in rural areas, create significant barriers to access for those who depend on in-person support. The loss of experienced USDA personnel through staffing cuts and calls for the end of remote work is creating a knowledge gap that will impair the agency's ability to serve organic producers and function effectively for years to come.
During the fly-in, many legislators requested detailed information on exactly which funds were frozen, and which staff had been let go. If your business or organization has been impacted by these issues, we would love to hear from you. Please consider filling out and sharing our Executive Order Impact Survey. Your personal information will not be shared outside of OFA.
A new Continuing Resolution has been passed, no progress on a new Farm Bill yet
Last week, Congress passed a new continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government, averting a potential shutdown. This CR extends funding through September 30, 2025, which marks the end of the fiscal year. The resolution was achieved after intense negotiations, marked by significant partisan divides and disputes between House and Senate members, and notably within the Democratic party.
While the CR prevented an immediate shutdown, it cut non-defense funding levels by approximately $13 billion, while increasing defense spending by roughly $6 billion.
Amid this uncertainty, progress on a new Farm Bill remains stalled, with the 2018 Farm Bill extended until September 30th of this year without the inclusion of several key organic programs including organic certification cost share. Click here to ask your legislators to restore funding for cost-share and other “orphan” programs of importance to the organic community.
Spring 2025 NOSB Meeting postponed
Originally planned as an in person meeting in Tempe, AZ, the Spring NOSB meeting was switched to a virtual event. More recently, the NOP announced that the meeting has been postponed, with a new date not yet announced.
For announcements about rescheduling watch the NOP’s NOSB Meetings page.
February 2025 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
With a one-year Farm Bill extension in place and committee assignments complete in Congress, attention in D.C. has been focused on new leadership at USDA and Executive Orders coming from the Trump administration.
Trump Nominees Clear Key Senate Votes on the Way to Confirmation
Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Agriculture was unanimously voted through the Senate Agriculture Committee. Rollins is the current president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute and served as the acting director of the United States Domestic Policy Council under President Trump. She earned a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University. She is predicted to sail through an upcoming confirmation vote on the Senate floor.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Health Secretary was also advanced out of committee with a vote along party lines.
Leadership Changes at USDA
Two important leaders overseeing the National Organic Program have moved on. Jenny Lester Moffitt, former Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs has left USDA.
Dr. Jenny Tucker has also left the National Organic Program. As Deputy Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program Dr. Tucker oversaw the finalization of several important rules for organic. She has moved to a position with the USDA Specialty Crops Program.
OFA has appreciated both officials' efforts to advance organic agriculture, and the open lines of communication they maintained with the organic community.
Dudley Hoskins has been nominated as the new Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. This is a key position for organic policy, since the NOP operates under USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. As chief of staff for AMS during Trump’s first term he engaged with the organic program, including the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule.
Christopher Purdy stepped into Dr. Tucker’s role as Deputy Administrator for NOP starting last week. His previous role was at the USDA Specialty Crops Program.
OFA looks forward to working with Hoskins and Purdy to help support organic farmers.
Executive Orders
President Trump has begun his second term in office with a slew of Executive Orders that could have impacts throughout the agriculture industry.
Tariffs
An executive order signed by President Trump has placed a 10% tariff on all imports from China, and promises duties of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada in the coming month. OFA has heard from farmers that they are concerned about increases in the cost of machinery, feedstuffs, and energy.
Funding Freeze
In late January the Trump administration briefly paused all federal agency grants and loans. Legal challenges were immediately put forward and for now the freeze is halted. If reinstated the freeze would threaten many organic organizations and numerous programs at USDA, including organic programs. USDA officials have yet to unpause funding through the $3.1 billion Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, the $85 million Organic Market Development Grant program and the $100 million Transition to the Organic Partnership Program, all funded through the Commodities Credit Corporation.
If you have been impacted by these funding disruptions, please let us know. We can assist with reaching out to your members of Congress and the USDA.
January 2025 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
CR and Farm Bill Extension
Just before leaving Washington for winter recess, Congress passed a stopgap funding package allowing the federal government to remain running at 2024 levels through March 14, 2025. The bill also included disaster relief funding for producers and a one-year Farm Bill extension set to expire on September 30, 2025. Unfortunately, no funding was provided in the extension for so-called “orphan programs” that lacked baseline funding in the last Farm Bill.
Key organic programs that will not be funded in early 2025 include the Organic Certification Cost-Share, the Organic Data Initiative, and the Organic Certification Trade and Tracking Program.
Fortunately, cost-share funds for 2024 reimbursements should not be impacted. OFA will be working with organic producers to advocate for funding for those organic programs in several upcoming pieces of legislation:
- The final 2025 appropriations package – now due to be completed by March 14
- The next Farm Bill – now due to be passed by September 30
- The 2026 appropriations package – Also Due September 30
Agriculture Committee Changes for the 119th Congress
Several Agriculture Committee members did not win reelection in November. This includes Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Representatives Molinaro (R-NY), Chavez Deremer (D-OR), and Caravejo (D-CO). Krisitin Gillibrand (D-NY) is leaving the Senate Ag Committee for Appropriations, and Mike Braun (R-IN) will leave the Senate after winning the governorship of Indiana. A number of organic champions did retain their seats, including Representative Newhouse (R-WA) and Pingree (D-ME).
The House Agriculture Committee will continue to be led by Chair GT Thompson(R-PA). Angie Craig (D) of Minnesota is replacing David Scott (D-GA) as Ranking Member. Thompson has announced that the following House Republicans are joining the Agriculture Committee:
- Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04)
- Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08)
- Rep. Rob Bresnahan (PA-08)
- Rep. Mark Harris (NC-08)
- Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08)
- Rep. David Taylor (OH-02)
The Senate Agriculture Committee will be chaired by former Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will serve as Ranking Member. New Committee members include:
- Jerry Moran (R-KS)
- Jim Justice (R-WV)
- Adam Schiff (D-CA)
- Elissa Slotkin (D-MI)
New USDA Appointments
With the change of administration, there will be numerous new appointments at the USDA over the coming weeks and months. Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Agriculture, is scheduled for a confirmation hearing on January 15.
December 2024 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
Republicans “trifecta” in the November election means new USDA appointments and Ag committee changes
Last month, Donald Trump won a second term in the White House. Republicans also retained control of the House by a narrow margin and took the majority in the Senate, winning 53 seats to Democrats 47.
A number of current Agriculture Committee members did not win reelection. This includes Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Representatives Molinaro (R-NY), Chavez Deremer (D-OR), and Caravejo (D-CO). However, a number of organic champions did retain their seats, including Representative Newhouse (R-WA) and Pingree (D-ME).
In the House Agriculture Committee, Chair GT Thompson is likely to retain his leadership position. Current House Ranking Member David Scott is being challenged for the position by Angie Craig (D-MN) and Jim Costa (D-CA).
The Senate Agriculture Committee will most likely be chaired by current Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is favored to be the next Ranking Member.
Presidential incumbent Donald Trump recently announced Brooke Rollins as his pick for Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins is the current president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, and served as the acting director of the United States Domestic Policy Council under President Trump. She earned a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University.
A one-year Farm Bill Extension is increasingly likely, and another short-term funding patch is possible
With the incoming Republican control of Congress and the White House, a new Farm Bill coming out of the lame duck session is highly unlikely, and lawmakers are discussing a possible one-year extension.
House Republicans rejected Farm Bill language put forward by Senate Democrats in November. That draft language included a number of provisions that OFA has advocated for including:
- OREI Plus-Up: Increased funding for Organic Research and Extension Initiatives (OREI) to $100 million by 2029.
- Organic Research Coordinator: A dedicated position to oversee organic research efforts.
- Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI): Continued funding for OMRI.
- Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG): Provisions to support organic agriculture through CIG.
- Organic Integrity Database (OID): Improvements to the OID to better serve organic dairy producers.
- Crop Insurance Reforms: Reforms to organic crop insurance programs.
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Removal of caps on organic practices and establishment of a CSP-Organic Initiative.
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and National Organic Program (NOP) Crosswalk: Improved data sharing between NRCS and NOP.
While an extension will keep key USDA programs running, it’s crucial to advocate for an extension that protects organic producers.
Any extension must be drafted to specifically include continued support for so-called “orphan programs” that lack baseline funding in the Farm Bill.
- Organic Certification Cost-Share Program – this program is vital to small farms and businesses, and helps keep producers in the organic program. Level funding the program at $8 million is no longer enough due to rising costs of certification. Congress should provide at least $11 million for the OCCSP in a Farm Bill extension.
- Organic Data Initiative – Collects essential data on organic agriculture
- Organic Certification Trade and Tracking Program – Critical fraud prevention program
November 2024 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
Republicans Win White House, Senate
Republicans fared well in the November 5 election with former President Donald Trump winning another term in the White House and a new majority in the Senate. (At the time of writing, control of the House was still undecided.)
With Republican control of the Senate, Senator Boozman (R-AR) is expected to take leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Other committee changes are assured, with Senate Ag Committee member Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and House Ag Committee member Marc Molinaro (R-NY) failing to win reelection, and several House races still undecided.
OFA will be tracking further election results and watching for news of possible cabinet nominees in the coming weeks.
With the election behind them, members of congress will have time to return to work on the currently expired Farm Bill. While most Farm Bill programs will continue to operate until the end of the year, there is a growing urgency to pass a new Farm Bill or another extension as soon as possible.
Organic Cost-Share Must Be Protected
The organic certification cost-share program (OCCSP), a vital resource for organic farmers, relies on the Farm Bill for authorization every five years. Because OCCSP is a very small program, cost-share does not have “permanent baseline” funding status. When the 2018 Farm Bill was extended last November, the extension was crafted in a way that preserved funding for cost-share and other so-called “orphan” programs, programs without mandatory baseline funding. If the current Farm Bill is again extended, provisions must be included so that cost share funding is maintained.
Urge Your U.S. Senators to Support the WEATHER Act
This season has brought unprecedented extreme weather events. Current federal crop insurance options do not cover many small, diversified, and organic farms impacted by disasters such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Withstanding Extreme Agricultural Threats by Harvesting Economic Resilience (WEATHER) Act of 2023 (S. 3401) is a bill that calls for the development of an index-based insurance policy that would better support farmers facing income losses after extreme weather events by reducing administrative hurdles and ensuring that insurance payouts are based on agricultural income losses. The policy would likely function similarly to the Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance program which provides financial payments to farmers quickly after a disaster.
Send a message to your Senators asking them to include the WEATHER Act in the upcoming Farm Bill!
USDA Provides Funding to Assist Organic Dairy Producers
The USDA recently announced two programs to support organic dairy producers. The USDA announced the availability of $58 million in funding for organic dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) on September 26. This program aims to help producers offset marketing costs incurred in 2024.
The ODMAP program was first launched in 2023 with $104 million allocated, but less than half of those funds were distributed in the first round of disbursements. This was partially due to a lack of data collection about organic dairy marketing by USDA.
Improvements to the program for 2024 include an increased the payment rate to $1.68 per hundredweight (from $1.10) and raised the eligible production level to nine million pounds (from five million). These improvements address the needs of organic dairy producers and provide much-needed relief.
Producers can apply for ODMAP until November 29 at their local USDA Service Center. To be eligible, applicants must provide documentation of 2023 production, proof of organic certification, and complete an application form.
On October 28, the USDA announced a new program, the Organic Dairy Product Promotion (ODPP), allocating $15 million to expand access to organic dairy products in educational institutions and youth programs. Funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), the program will help children and young adults access organic dairy products while also creating new markets for small and mid-sized organic dairy farmers. The program will be administered nationally through the four regional Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (DBI) regions. These regional centers may subaward these funds directly to organic dairy businesses, educational institutions including K-12 schools and colleges/universities, and other organizations able to implement the program.
OFA will continue to work for policies that support organic dairy producers in the upcoming Farm Bill.
October 2024 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
Congress Passes Short-Term Funding Patch But Lets Farm Bill Extension Expire
Lawmakers returned to Washington, D.C. after their August recess with expiration dates looming for both the Farm Bill and annual spending bills.
Late last month, Congressional leaders were able to reach a bipartisan deal to keep the Government running on 2024 levels through December 20, with a short-term funding patch called a continuing resolution (CR). There had been some speculation that they would extend the Farm Bill as part of that CR, but they did not include that in the measure.
Since most Farm Bill programs will not expire until the end of the calendar year, there is still time to pass a new Farm Bill after the election this fall. However, there is reportedly some interest among Farm Bill negotiators in passing some sort of emergency assistance package along with a Farm Bill extension if compromise can’t be reached on a new bill.
Any Farm Bill Extension Must Protect Organic Certification Cost Share Program
The organic certification cost-share program is authorized every 5 years through the Farm Bill.
After reductions in 2020, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced in 2023 that they would restore reimbursement rates for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) to 75% of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $750 per scope. This brought the amount of funding back up to the maximum allowed by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Because OCCSP is a very small program, cost-share does not have “permanent baseline” funding status. When the 2018 Farm Bill was extended last November, the extension was crafted in a way that preserved funding for cost-share and other so-called “orphan” programs, programs without mandatory baseline funding. If the current Farm Bill is again extended, provisions must be included so that cost share funding is maintained. OFA has been told that funding for 2024 is secure. However provisions in any extension are needed so that organic farmers who use the program can plan ahead for their 2025 certification costs.
Take action: Please visit usa.gov to find contact information for your members of Congress and urge them to renew funding for the organic certification cost share program in any Farm Bill extension and modernize cost-share by supporting the Opportunities in Organic Act in the next Farm Bill.
USDA Announces Funding to Assist Organic Dairy Producers
On Thursday, September 26, USDA announced the availability of $58 million through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP), which will provide certified organic dairy producers with funding to help cover projected marketing costs for 2024.
The ODMAP program was first launched in 2023 with $104 million allocated. With less than half of those funds distributed in the first round of disbursements, OFA and allies are pleased to see this effort to get much needed relief to organic dairy producers.
Improvements to the program for 2024 include an increase in the payment rate to $1.68 per hundredweight from the previous $1.10 per cwt. The production level eligible for marketing cost-share assistance has also increased from 5 million pounds to 9 million pounds.
OFA will continue to work for policies that support organic dairy producers in the upcoming Farm Bill.
Producers can apply for the program from September 30 to November 29 by contacting their local USDA Service Center. To apply you will need to provide documentation showing 2023 production, proof of organic certification, and complete an application form.
Watch the National Organic Standards Board’s Fall Meeting
The NOSB meets twice a year to work on recommendations to the USDA about organic standards and the National List of materials that are allowed or prohibited in organic production.
This fall, the NOSB will convene an online Public Comment Webinar in mid-October followed by an in-person meeting in Portland, Oregon the following week.
- Public Comment Webinar Day 1: Tuesday, October 15 from Noon - 5:00 pm Eastern
- Public Comment Webinar Day 2: Thursday, October 17 from Noon - 5:00 pm Eastern
- In- Person Meeting Day 1: Tuesday, October 22 from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Pacific
- In- Person Meeting Day 2: Wednesday, October 23 from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Pacific
- In- Person Meeting Day 3: Thursday, October 24 from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Pacific
For more details on the meeting, including the agenda and materials, visit the USDA webpage here, and read OFA’s written comments here.
September 2024 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
Appropriations Continuing Resolution and Farm Bill Extension Likely
Lawmakers are returning to Washington, D.C. after their August recess with expiration dates looming for both the Farm Bill and annual spending bills.
With progress well behind schedule on both efforts, it is nearly impossible that they will complete either process before the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30. If they do not pass a FY2025 budget by that date, Congress will likely pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend the current federal spending levels to avoid an October government shutdown. The programs funded by the Farm Bill are separate from the annual appropriations bills, and expire more gradually. However, lawmakers could choose to include a Farm Bill extension as part of a CR.
Any Farm Bill Extension Must Protect Organic Certification Cost Share Program
The organic certification cost-share program is authorized every 5 years through the Farm Bill.
After reductions in 2020, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced in 2023 that they would restore reimbursement rates for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) to 75% of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $750 per scope. This brought the amount of funding back up to the maximum allowed by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Because OCCSP is a very small program, cost-share does not have “permanent baseline” funding status. When the 2018 Farm Bill was extended last November, the extension was crafted in a way that preserved funding for cost-share and other so-called ‘orphan’ programs, programs without mandatory baseline funding. If the current Farm Bill is again extended, provisions must be included so that cost share funding is maintained. OFA has been told that funding for 2024 is secure. However provisions in any extension are needed so that organic farmers who use the program can plan ahead for their 2025 certification costs.
Take action: Please visit usa.gov to find contact information for your members of Congress and urge them to renew funding for the organic certification cost share program in any Farm Bill extension and modernize cost-share by supporting the Opportunities in Organic Act in the next Farm Bill.
Participate in the National Organic Standards Board’s Fall Meeting
The NOSB meets twice a year to work on recommendations to the USDA about organic standards and the National List of materials that are allowed or prohibited in organic production.
This fall, the NOSB will convene an online Public Comment Webinar in mid-October followed by an in-person meeting in Portland, Oregon the next week.
- Public Comment Webinar Day 1: Tuesday, October 15 from 12pm - 5pm ET
- Public Comment Webinar Day 2: Thursday, October 17 from 12pm - 5pm ET
- In- Person Meeting Day 1: Tuesday, October 22 from 8:30am - 6pm PT
- In- Person Meeting Day 2: Wednesday, October 23 from 8:30am - 6pm PT
- In- Person Meeting Day 3: Thursday, October 24 from 8:30am - 6pm PT
For more details on the meeting, including the agenda and materials, and to register for virtual testimony visit the USDA webpage here.
OFA will be focusing our comments on the materials Meloxicam and Methionine, plastics in compost, and residue testing for organic imports.
If you would like to register to provide oral testimony or need help with written comments please call our Farmer Helpline at (833) 724-3834, or contact OFA Farmer Services Director Julia Barton at julia@organicfarmersassociation.org.
August 2024 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
Farm Bill Progress Stalls
This spring we at last saw encouraging progress towards a new Farm Bill with either proposals or full bill text released in both the House and Senate Ag committees. However, as we enter August progress has slowed, even as the September 30 deadline approaches. The House Agriculture Farm Bill must still pass on the House Floor—this was always going to be difficult due to the inclusion of several policies Democrats view as red-lines. Recently the Congressional Budget Office stated that the House Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill would raise the federal budget deficit by $33 billion over the next decade, making a way forward even more challenging.
Meanwhile in the Senate, the Republican response to the Majority Senate Farm Bill Framework closely resembled the House Bill, and the Senate Agriculture Committee will need to work to pass a consolidated Senate version. Once both chambers have passed their own version of the bill, leaders from the House and Senate will work to combine the two bills into one bill, which can then be voted on by the full Congress.
It is increasingly unlikely that this process will be completed before the deadline at the end of September. It’s possible that a bill could be passed this fall, but the closer we creep to the 2024 election process the greater the likelihood that the Farm Bill will be extended again until 2025. There are lots of unknowns, and the future path of the bill rides on election outcomes and how a possible extension might be drafted.
Meanwhile, new marker bills continue to be introduced with the hope that the policies in them will be included in the final Farm Bill. You can read more about them in our Farm Bill Marker Bill Tracker.
Appropriations Progress at a Stand-Still
OFA has been tracking work on annual government spending bills in Washington. In June, the House Appropriations Agriculture-FDA Subcommittee approved a draft version of its fiscal 2025 Agriculture-FDA spending bill on a party-line vote. The bill would provide $25.9 billion in funding across USDA and FDA, with approximately $22 billion going to USDA, representing a more than 1% cut from current funding levels. The Senate Appropriations Committee has also passed a bill, however House lawmakers left early for their August Recess without bringing the bill to the floor for a vote as originally planned.
This leaves only three weeks in September for legislators to push through final spending bills before the start of the 2025 fiscal year on October 1, making it very likely that the legislation will have to be extended until after the election and dealt with by the next Congress.
Opportunity to Submit Content Request for the 2027 Census of Agriculture
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is currently accepting stakeholder feedback in the form of content requests for the 2027 Census of Agriculture. The deadline for comments is August 19, 2024. For more information and to comment visit the Federal Register here.
OFA will be drafting comments in the coming weeks. If you have a new question that you would like to see added to the 2027 Census of Agriculture, contact OFA Policy Director Lily Hawkins at lily@organicfarmersassociation.org.
July 2024 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
New and Upcoming Marker Bills
The past few months have shown encouraging progress towards a new Farm Bill with either proposals or full bill text released in both the House and Senate Ag committees. However, there is still a long way to go to pass a final bill by the September 30 deadline. The House Agriculture Farm Bill must still pass on the House Floor—sure to be difficult due to the inclusion of Democrat’s red line components. With the Senate Republican response to the Majority Senate Farm Bill Framework closely resembling the House bill, the Senate Agriculture Committee will have to pass a consolidated Senate version. Once both chambers have passed their own version of the bill, leaders from the House and Senate will work to combine the two bills into one bill, which can then be voted on by the full Congress.
It is possible that this process will be completed before the deadline at the end of September. However, the closer we creep to the 2024 election process the greater the likelihood that the Farm Bill may be extended again until 2025. There are lots of unknowns, and the future path of the bill rides on election outcomes and how a possible extension might be drafted.
Meanwhile, new marker bills continue to be introduced with the hope that the policies in them will be included in the final Farm Bill.
OFA is supporting several of these:
The Organic Imports Verification Act (not yet introduced) would promote organic integrity and a level playing field for domestic organic producers by requiring USDA to test high-risk bulk imports of organic feedstuffs for residues of substances that are prohibited in organic production.
The Save our Small Farms Act includes improvements to the Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), as well as the full text of the Whole Farm Revenue Program Protection Act and the Withstanding Extreme Agricultural Threats by Harvesting Economic Resilience Act.
The Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act directs the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to develop a multi-year operating loan pilot for beginning farmers to finance initial assets and the development of production and management systems. These expenditures can include intangible business infrastructure for crop records, payroll, and regulatory compliance, investments to increase soil fertility, and more.
To read more about these and the other marker bills OFA supports, check out our Farm Bill Marker Bill Tracker.
House Subcommittee Approves Draft Ag/FDA Spending Bill
In June, the House Appropriations Agriculture-FDA Subcommittee approved a draft version of its fiscal 2025 Agriculture-FDA spending bill on a party-line vote.
The bill would provide $25.9 billion in funding across USDA and FDA, with approximately $22 billion going to USDA, representing a more than 1 percent cut from current funding levels.
Report language for the bill, which will detail how specific programs will be funded, has yet to be released. We do know that House Republican leaders are not pursuing the abortion pill rider that would restrict access to abortion pills in the Ag-FDA spending bill. This represents a major concession to swing-district Republicans facing competitive elections this fall, and could make it easier for Republicans to pass the bill on the floor this summer.
June 2024 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
Farm Bill Movement
Last month, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow released a Farm Bill proposal titled the “Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act,” which includes policies that will help move more U.S. agriculture to organic methods and make a positive impact for organic producers by providing authorization of funding that will allow the National Organic Program (NOP) to keep pace with the growth in the organic sector. This proposal can advance OFA’s Farm Bill priorities in numerous ways including:
- Directs the NOP to solicit public input on the prioritization of organic regulations to be promulgated or revised;
- Directs the USDA Secretary to publish an annual report regarding recommendations received from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), all regulatory and administrative actions taken, and justifications on why actions were or were not taken on those recommendations;
- Directs the Government Accountability Office (GOA) to conduct a study on the efforts of the NOP to improve organic standards and provide recommendations on how the NOP can ensure that organic program standards evolve in a timely manner to meet consumer expectations and benefit organic producers;
- Directs the USDA to improve collection of organic dairy market data;
- Clarifies the calculation of Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) payments for income forgone by a producer transitioning to an organic resource-conserving system;
- Continues funding for the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI);
- Provides enhanced coordination of organic agriculture research within USDA;
- Provides mandatory funding for organic production and market data initiatives (ODI);
- Provides stable funding for the Organic Certification Cost-Share Program and increases the maximum payment to a producer or handler from $750 to $1,000;
- Directs research and development on ways to increase participation of organic producers in Federal crop insurance;
- Authorizes an Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program;
- Increases the EQIP payment cap for organic producers to $450,000, making the organic cap equal to the conventional payment cap
Shortly after the Senate Majority proposal was introduced, the House Agriculture Committee Chair released his Farm Bill proposal, titled the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024.” On May 23, 2024, the House Ag Committee passed the bill. With a Republican majority in the House, Republican wins included increases to farm safety net programs. The Democratic minority cited several red lines that were crossed, including Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 funds moved to the Farm Bill baseline, but with climate guardrails removed; nutrition programs will be limited; and new restrictions placed on the Secretary of Agriculture’s discretion to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to address urgent threats to the food system. Democratic efforts to address these issues through amendments during the markup were unsuccessful.
OFA sees wins and losses in the House Bill. OFA is thrilled that provisions for improved data collection for organic dairy were included, along with increased payment limits under the EQIP Organic Initiative, increased funding for the Organic Data Initiative (ODI), and incentives to develop regionally adapted plant cultivars and animal breeds. However, the bill does not go far enough to provide resources for the growing organic sector, with largely level funding for organic programs. Specifically the bill:
- Maintains mandatory funding for the OREI at $50 million per year
- Continues support for organic production through the NOP, Organic Production and Market Data Initiative (ODI), and Organic Certification Cost-Share Program
- Adds a requirement to collect and publish cost-of-production data for organic milk through the ODI inspired by H.R. 6937;
- Provides $10 million in mandatory funding for the ODI based on a request for increased funding in H.R. 2720.30;
- Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance, outreach, and education to support organic production through existing programs at various agencies throughout the Department;
- Provides $5 million in mandatory funding for the continued NOP database maintenance and technology upgrades;
- Continues mandatory funding for the Organic Certification Cost-Share Program at $8 million per year;
- Reauthorizes the authorization of appropriations for the NOP with essentially level funding
It’s encouraging to see progress at last on the long awaited Farm Bill, but there is still a long way to go to pass a final bill by the September 30 deadline. The House Agriculture Farm Bill must still pass on the floor—sure to be a difficult passage due to the inclusion of Democrat’s red line components. We are still awaiting the Senate Republican response to the Majority Senate Farm Bill Framework, as well as the full Senate text. The Senate Agriculture Committee will then have to pass a consolidated Senate version. Once both chambers have passed their own version of the bill, leaders from the House and Senate will work to combine the two bills into one bill, which can then be voted on by the full chambers.
It is possible that both chambers will complete this process before the deadline at the end of September. However, the closer we creep to the 2024 election process the greater the likelihood that the Farm Bill may be extended again until 2025.
A new Farm Bill is essential to maintain key agriculture programs and to provide certainty for farmers as they make important business decisions. OFA will continue to advocate for the inclusion of the important policies from the Senate and House proposals and key marker bills in the final Farm Bill. To get involved, call or email your legislators and ask them to support the marker bills that matter most to you! Find their contact information here.
Proposed Changes to Mushroom and Pet Food Standards
On May 10, 2024, the public comment period closed for the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposed rule on Mushroom and Pet Food Standards in the Federal Register to amend the USDA organic regulations. The rule proposes specific standards for organic mushroom production and organic pet food handling, aiming to create more consistent standards for these markets.
For organic mushrooms, this proposed rule would:
- Clarify that mushrooms should be certified under the crops scope.
- Clarify which existing crop production standards apply to organic mushroom production.
- Create a mushroom-specific standard for organic compost production.
- Require operations producing organic mushrooms to:
- Use organic materials for the uncomposted portions of production substrate when commercially available.
- Use organic spawn media when commercially available.
- Use organic mushroom spawn when commercially available.
For organic pet food, the rule would:
- Clarify how existing organic labeling requirements should be applied to organic pet food.
- Allow organic meat and slaughter by-products in organic pet food.
- Describe what ingredients can be used in organic pet food.
- Add synthetic taurine (an amino acid) to the National List and allow its use in organic pet food to meet some pets’ nutritional needs.
The minimal changes proposed to the pet food portion of the proposed rule are not of concern to OFA, rulemaking in this area could expand organic markets for domestic farmers. However, OFA strongly recommended in our comments that AMS review comments from this proposed rule and then quickly release a second proposal centering the National Organic Standards Board’s 2001 recommendation on mushrooms and positioning mushroom standards under a new scope for Fungi. Fungi are neither animals nor plants, and certifying them under either Crops or Livestock scopes does not allow for consistent organic regulations; mushrooms and other fungi like yeast and mold should be given their own scope. Read OFA’s full comments online.
Nominations Deadline Approaches for National Organic Standards Board Vacancies
The National Organic Standards Board works to develop and update standards for substances to be used in organic production and to advise the Secretary on the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. This year, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is requesting nominations to fill the following vacancies:
- One individual who owns or operates an organic farming operation or employee of such individual;
- Two individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation or employees of such individuals;
- One individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or employees of such individuals; and
- One individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.
Board appointees will serve a five-year term beginning January 2025 and ending January 2030. Additionally, AMS is requesting applications for a pool of candidates that the Secretary of Agriculture can draw upon as replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.
Interested applicants can view more information about the NOSB, time commitments, workload, and how to apply, at the NOSB Nominations page. The deadline for applications is June 28, 2024.