October 2023 Policy Update

October 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

Farm Bill Delays

On September 30th, the 2018 Farm Bill expired, and congress narrowly averted a government shutdown. Since-ousted Speaker of the House McCarthy compromised with Democrats to pass a last minute government funding patch, keeping the federal government open until November 17th. QUickly thereafter members of his own party adn democrats voted to remove him from the position of speaker. Efforts to elect his successor are expected to be messy, and distract from efforts to pass a new farm bill.

Expired Farm Bill Threatens Organic Certification Cost Share Program

The organic certification cost-share program is authorized every 5 years through the Farm Bill. 

After reductions in 2020, this spring, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that they will be restoring 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 brings the amount of funding back up to the maximum allowed by the 2018 Farm Bill. 

Now that Congress has allowed the 2018 Farm Bill to expire, the cost share program is at risk. If a new Farm Bill is passed in the next few months with adequate funding for the cost share program, reimbursement will continue without disruption in 2024. But as a very small program cost-share does not have ‘permanent baseline’ funding status. This means that if the current Farm Bill is extended without a special provision, cost share will expire, leaving organic farmers who use the program with large increases to their certification expenses.

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 and modernize cost-share by supporting the Opportunities in Organic Act.

Congress introduces a Marker Bill to Support Organic Market Development

Last month, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) and Annie Kuster (D-NH-02) introduced the Organic Market Development Act to codify and increase support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic Market Development Grant Program, which aims to build and expand organic markets and address the need for additional market paths for organic farmers and producers through simplified grants for equipment and larger grants aimed at market development and processing capacity expansion.

The Organic Market Development Act aims to:

  • increase the capacity of the domestic organic product supply chain for producers, handlers, suppliers, and processors of certified organic products;
  • modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems;
  • improve the capacity of eligible entities to comply with applicable regulatory requirements or quality standards required to access markets;
  • expand capacity for processing, aggregation, and distribution of certified organic products to create more and better markets for producers of certified organic products; facilitate market development for domestically produced certified organic products;
  • conduct feasibility studies and market viability assessments to inform organic transition strategies and opportunities;
  • address barriers to entry to organic product certification for historically underserved entities; and
  • support market and promotional activities that help build commercial markets for certified organic products in the United States.

You can view a one-page summary of the bill from Senator Baldwin’s office here, and full text of the legislation here.

USDA Expands Crop Insurance Options for Specialty and Organic Crops

Last week USDA announced new and improved crop insurance tools for organic and specialty crop growers. These changes have been announced on the heels of a two-year outreach and engagement effort from USDA’s Risk Management Agency. In addition to numerous changes for specific crops, organic growers will note the following updates:

New Insurance Options:

  • Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance Program (TOGA): For 2022, RMA offered this new program reduce a producer’s overall crop insurance premium bill allowing them to continue using organic agricultural systems. Premium benefits for TOGA included: 10 percentage points of premium subsidy for all crops in transition, $5 per acre premium benefit for certified organic grain and feed crops, and 10 percentage points of premium subsidy for all Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) policies covering any number of crops in transition to organic or crops with the certified organic practice.
  • Tropical Storm Coverage: For crop year 2023 and succeeding years, RMA added a new option to Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index (HIP-WI) for named tropical storm weather events. The Tropical Storm Option covers damage caused by strong weather systems not categorized as hurricanes. Both a wind and precipitation trigger must occur for an indemnity to be paid. This new option helped many producers recover after Hurricane Idalia this year. About 60% of eligible policies elected this option.

Improved Insurance Options:

  • Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Program (WFRP): Several improvements will begin in the 2024 policy year including: allowing all eligible producers to qualify for 80% and 85% coverage levels; allowing producers to purchase catastrophic coverage level policies for individual crops with WFRP; expanding yield history to a 10-year maximum (from four years) for all crops not covered by another federal crop insurance policy; making the policy more affordable for single commodity producers; and allowing producers to customize their coverage by choosing whether WFRP will consider other federal crop insurance policies as primary insurance when calculating premium and revenue to count during claim time.
  • Micro Farm: Several updates were made to Micro Farm including: moving the sales closing date to a less busy time of year to help agents dedicate time to marketing the program, allowing producers to purchase other federal crop insurance with Micro Farm, allowing vertically integrated entities to be eligible and making the Expanding Operations feature available.
  • Quality Loss Option (QLO): RMA is making the QLO available to several initial specialty crops, including avocados (California only), blueberries, cranberries, grapes, peaches, stone fruit, and table grapes. RMA plans to make the option available to additional specialty crops in the upcoming months after further review.

Read the full announcement from USDA here.

More Funding for Organic Dairy Farmers

On September 20, USDA announced a second round of payments for the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP), which provides certified organic dairy producers with funding to help cover projected marketing costs in 2023.

The program originally covered 75% of estimated marketing costs at a rate of $0.825 per hundredweight, capped at the first 5 million pounds of estimated production. This second round of payments will cover the remaining 25% of estimated 2023 marketing costs, bringing payments up to $1.10 per hundredweight for eligible applicants.

The second ODMAP payment is automatic, producers who successfully applied for the first round of funding do not need to take further action.

This round of payments will bring total funds distributed through the program up to $20 million. The ODMAP program was allocated $104 million.

Since there is a significant lack of available data on the production and utilization of organic milk and in the absence of reliable independent data, USDA had to use the data from the conventional marketing of milk to calculate the producers’ cost of marketing milk for the ODMAP. Organic producers say that the cost of producing organic milk is significantly higher than that of conventional milk, and OFA will continue to advocate for more funding to reflect the difference. 

Take action: Please visit usa.gov to find contact information for your members of Congress and urge them to call on the USDA to provide another round of disbursements to reflect the higher cost of marketing for organic milk, and to support improved data collection and other support for organic dairy producers in the 2023 Farm Bill.

by Amber Lippon

September 2023 Policy Update

September 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

New OFA Farm Bill Marker Bill Tracker

In the lead up to drafting the massive omnibus bill that is the Farm Bill, smaller marker bills are introduced to promote policy ideas in the hope that they will be included in the final Farm Bill.

Marker bills are not intended to pass as standalone bills, but rather they’re introduced to show collective interest in an idea and build momentum. Marker bills with more congressional support have a better chance of making it into the final version of the Farm Bill.

OFA has introduced a tracker to help you learn more about the marker bills we are supporting that may impact organic farming. Check back regularly for updates as Farm Bill conversations continue in D.C.

Click here to view the tracker! 

Please visit https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials to find contact information for your members of Congress, and call or email to ask them to support organic-friendly marker bills in the Farm Bill. 

Don’t see a bill you think OFA should be tracking? Feel free to reach out to OFA Policy Director Lily Hawkins lily@organicfarmersassociation.org) to flag it for us!

Farm Bill Timeline

September 30th is the date when both the annual federal spending bills and the Farm Bill (last passed in 2018) are set to expire. With the Republicans pushing spending bills with no Democratic support it’s increasingly unlikely that they will avoid needing to pass a continuing resolution (an emergency funding patch) to keep federal agencies running. 

With efforts to finalize spending bills ongoing, efforts to complete the 2023 Farm Bill will almost certainly continue into the fall. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (MI) has indicated that there are currently no plans to include a farm bill extension in a continuing resolution for government spending. Passing the deadline with no extension will impact different programs in different ways. 

Some programs, like SNAP and crop insurance, will keep running even after the deadline is passed. Other programs, usually smaller or newer ones, will stop running if the Farm Bill is allowed to expire. Organic Certification Cost Share is one of these. Fortunately, funds are already secured for 2023 reimbursements, so there is time for the Farm Bill negotiations to run their course before cost-share funding for 2024 is at risk. At this time, OFA is communicating with Congress about the importance of preserving and modernizing the cost share program in the Farm Bill and, if needed, will advocate for a Farm Bill extension that covers all Farm Bill programs.

Cost Share Application Deadline is October 31

This spring, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that they will be restoring reimbursement rates for the OCCSP to 75 percent of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $750 per scope. This brings the amount of funding back up to the maximum allowed by the 2018 Farm Bill, after a 2020 reduction to 50 percent of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, and a maximum of $500 per scope.

Producers can apply for certification cost share through FSA at their local USDA Service Center. The deadline for producers to apply for reimbursement for 2023 certification costs is October 31. 

Organic certification provides producers with a way to validate the valuable ecosystem services they provide, but the associated fees can be burdensome, especially for small and beginning farmers. The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides reimbursements to organic farms and handling operations to help cover certification costs, and is crucial for farmers transitioning to and maintaining organic certification. 

Ask your members of congress to protect and build upon OCCSP by supporting the Opportunities in Organic Act (S. 1582, H.R. 3650). You can find your legislator’s contact information here. When you call or email them, be sure to share details on why the cost share program is important to you, how long you’ve used it, and urge lawmakers to stabilize and modernize the program through the Farm Bill.

by Amber Lippon

August 2023 Policy Update

August 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

Time-crunch on Appropriations and Farm Bill

By September 30, Congress needs to pass both the annual Appropriations Package that will provide funding for the federal government, and pass the 2023 Farm Bill—a huge package of federal legislation that influences most aspects of the food system.

Congress left for their August recess with much work remaining to be done on both packages of legislation. When they return in September they will need to hurry to pass these bills or extensions in order to avoid a government shutdown and keep essential programs funded.

Meanwhile, OFA is continuing to work for an organic-friendly Farm Bill. Our priorities include supporting organic certification cost share, protecting organic dairy, increasing organic research, and improving organic integrity. Read our full Farm Bill priorities here.

Long-Awaited OLPS Rule in Final Review

The Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) is a long-awaited animal welfare rule that will  allow the NOP to consistently enforce stronger animal welfare standards on organic farms and close loopholes being taken advantage of by some large operations.

OLPS was sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for final regulatory review on August 2. This is the last step before this long-overdue rule is finally released. Animal welfare is an issue of critical importance to organic consumers, and tightening these standards will help increase consumer confidence in the organic label.

Cost Share Updates

This spring, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that they will be restoring reimbursement rates for the OCCSP to 75 percent of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $750 per scope. This brings the amount of funding back up to the maximum allowed by the 2018 Farm Bill, after a 2020 reduction to 50 percent of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, and a maximum of $500 per scope.

Producers can apply for certification cost share through FSA at their local USDA Service Center. The deadline for producers to apply for reimbursement for 2023 certification costs is October 31.

Organic certification provides producers with a way to validate the valuable ecosystem services they provide, but the associated fees can be burdensome, especially for small and beginning farmers. The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides reimbursements to organic farms and handling operations to help cover certification costs, and is crucial for farmers transitioning to and maintaining organic certification. Ask your members of congress to protect and build upon OCCSP by supporting the Opportunities in Organic Act (S. 1582, H.R. 3650). You can find your legislator’s contact information here. When you call or email them, be sure to share details on why the cost share program is important to you, how long you’ve used it, and urge lawmakers to stabilize and modernize the program through the Farm Bill.

Summer Farm Bill Listening Sessions 

House Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson’s official Farm Bill listening tour has concluded, with recent stops in Maine and Minnesota. OFA members and staff testified in favor of policies to support organic farmers at both sessions. You can view the recordings here.

This month, two more Farm Bill listening sessions are scheduled in the Midwest. If you can attend one of these meetings, feel free to email OFA Policy Director Lily Hawkins at lily@organicfarmersassociation for help with talking points!

August 16 - Congressman Derrick Van Orden will host a Farm Bill Listening Session featuring House Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson and Senator Ron Johnson in La Crosse Wisconsin.  RSVP here.

August 18 - Senator Stabenow’s staff will join Organic Seed Alliance for a Farm Bill Town Hall in Dexter Michigan. RSVP here.

Going forward into the fall, OFA will work to notify members of any Farm Bill listening sessions in their area.

Get Involved! Invite Your Legislators to Farm Visit in October

Inviting your members of Congress to visit your farm is a great way to build support for organic by showing off the hard work you do on your farm!

This year, members of the House of Representatives will be working in their home districts the first two weeks of October, and Senators will be in their home districts the week of October 9. This can be an easier time to host a farm tour than the busy summer months! 

If you’d like help inviting lawmakers to visit your farm, email OFA Policy Director Lily Hawkins at lily@organicfarmersassociation.org.

 

by Amber Lippon

July 2023 Policy Update

July 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

House and Senate Approve Agriculture Appropriations Bills

The House and Senate have each approved agriculture spending bills for next year. While funding levels for key organic programs remain essentially level from 2023 in both bills, the House bill would cut more than $8 billion from the USDA’s operating budget.

In addition to deep cuts to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) the Republican-backed House bill includes damaging cuts to research and technical assistance programs, market opportunities, and equity initiatives. The bill also contains riders that would stop the Biden administration's efforts to increase competition in agriculture and restrict Secretary Vilsack’s use of Commodity Credit Corporation funding.

Now the House and Senate must work together through the conference process to write and pass consensus legislation. The deadline for passing a final spending bill is September 30, 2023.

OFA Supports Organic-Friendly Farm Bill Marker Bills

OFA is supporting several bills that, if included in the final text of the Farm Bill, will create and improve programs that are crucial to organic farmers.

Opportunities in Organic Act (S. 1582 and H. 3650)

The Opportunities in Organic Act will build on USDA’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program and Organic Transition Initiative to remove barriers to organic production by allowing cost-share payments that cover 100% of certification costs. It will also provide flexible funding for organizations to support organic transition and for organic operations to offset costs and reduce barriers associated with the transition process, and by improving technical assistance available through public agencies, universities, and NGOs.

Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act (HR 2720)

Investing in organic research has significant benefits for all farmers, as well as for rural communities and ecosystems. The Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act, or SOAR act, will provide additional funding for several important organic research programs.

In addition to the marker bills that have already been introduced, OFA is participating in conversations that we hope will lead to the introduction of strong marker bills to support organic producers in the following ways:

  • Improve data collection, build a functioning safely net, and invest in regional infrastructure for organic dairy
  • Improve crop insurance access and functionality for organic producers
  • Ensure continuous improvement of the organic standards.

Urge your Members of Congress to support organic farmers in the Farm Bill

Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program Application Period Closes this Month

In May, USDA announced the launch of the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP), which will provide certified organic dairy producers with funding to help cover projected marketing costs in 2023.

Organic dairy producers can apply for the program by contacting their local USDA Service Center. They will need to produce documentation showing their 2022 production and proof of organic certification in addition to completing an application form.  Click here for a helpful template for pulling together the required information created by our friends at Northeastern Organic Dairy Producers Alliance and Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance.

Applications are due July 26th. Since less than 50% of the funds earmarked for the program are expected to be released in the first round, OFA will be advocating for additional rounds of disbursement.

NOP publishes new Human Capital Initiative Resources

The National Organic Program (NOP) has published new resources in its Growing the Organic Workforce course in the USDA Organic Integrity Learning Center. These free resources are intended to promote organic market development, protect organic integrity, and enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Newly added topics include Organic Education Curriculum Resources, Introduction to Organic Sector Careers, and an Organic Inspector Career Snapshot

You can access these resources by setting up an account at the Learning Center Access sign-up page, or logging in to your existing account here.

OFA signs on to the position statement Organic Agriculture is Soil-Based

Organic farmers have repeatedly prioritized prohibiting hydroponic production from organic certification because organic is based in the soil. And a group of organic certifiers has refused to certify hydroponic operations because they do not believe it is allowed under the National Organic Standards. The USDA National Organic Program disagrees and has previously issued noncompliances to these agencies.

Soil is inherent in organic agricultural production and critical for a healthy planet and healthy food system. OFA farmer members have voted to oppose organic certification of hydroponic production and urged the NOP to revoke the organic certification of such operations (See the full policy position here) because organic agriculture depends on soil health.

Organizations and farmers are signing on in support of the organic certification agencies who have received non-compliances, and to say that organic farming must be based in the soil.

Support organic farmers and organic integrity by signing on to the Soil Statement.

 

by Amber Lippon

June 2023 Policy Update

June 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

Congress Reaches Agreement on the Debt Limit

Congress has finally passed legislation raising the debt ceiling, allowing the federal government to continue borrowing money to fund essential programs. The compromise agreement will cap spending increases over the next few years at near current levels, impacting both the Farm Bill and annual spending bills.

The Republicans won an increased age limit for the SNAP work requirement, while Biden secured the removal of barriers to the program for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth. Projections say that overall costs of the program will slightly increase, and Republicans plan to go after further cuts in the Farm Bill. Democrats are prepared to reject any such attempts, so be prepared for a lengthy fight.

OFA Supports Organic-Friendly Farm Bill Marker Bills

OFA is supporting several bills that have been introduced this spring that, if included in the final text of the Farm Bill, will create and improve programs that are crucial to organic farmers.

Opportunities in Organic Act (S. 1582 and H. 3650) 

The Opportunities in Organic Act will build on USDA’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program and Organic Transition Initiative to remove barriers to organic production in several important ways:

  • Allow cost-share payments that cover 100% of certification costs, up to $1500 per scope 
  • Provide flexible funding for organizations to support organic transition, particularly for smaller scale producers, producers of color, and underserved regions
  • Flexible funding for organic operations to offset costs and reduce barriers associated with the transition process
  • Improve technical assistance available through public agencies, universities, and NGOs 

Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act 

Investing in organic research has significant benefits for all farmers, as well as for rural communities and ecosystems. The Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act, or SOAR act, will provide additional funding for several important organic research programs. We’re hoping to see a Senate-side version of this bill in the near future.

  • Increase funding for the Organic Research and Extension Initiative
  • Provides Congressional authorization and direction for the Researching the Transition to Organic Program
  • Increase funding for the Organic Production and Market Data Initiative (ODI)
  • Directs ERS to conduct a full, systematic evaluation of the economic impact organic agriculture has on rural and urban communities

In addition to the marker bills that have already been introduced, OFA is participating in conversations that we hope will lead to the introduction of strong marker bills to support organic producers:

  • Improve data collection, build a functioning safely net, and invest in regional infrastructure for organic dairy
  • Improve crop insurance access and functionality for organic producers
  • Ensure continuous improvement of the organic standards.

Urge your Members of Congress to support organic farmers in the Farm Bill

Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program Launches 

In May, USDA announced the launch of the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP), which will provide certified organic dairy producers with funding to help cover projected marketing costs in 2023.  

Organic dairy producers can apply for the program by contacting their local USDA Service Center. They will need to produce documentation showing their 2022 production, proof of organic certification, and complete an application form.  

Click here for a helpful template for pulling together the required information created by our friends at Northeastern Organic Dairy Producers Alliance and Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance.

NOP Announces Fall 2023 NOSB Meeting Details

NOP has announced the details of the Fall 2023 NOSB Meeting, to be held in Providence, Rhode Island. 

The Online Comment Webinars will take place on October 17 & 19, 2023, and the In-Person Public Meeting will be held from October 24 - 26, 2023.  Meeting materials should be posted for review in late August. For more details click here.

 

by Amber Lippon

May 2023 Policy Update

May 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

National Organic Standards Board

The NOSB held their spring meeting over 2 weeks in April, starting with 2 days of virtual testimony and followed by an in person meeting in Atlanta, Georgia the following week. Some of the big topics the board discussed included: 

  • A proposal outlining why certified organic producers should automatically be considered climate-smart.
  • Discussion of the realities of crop insurance for organic farmers. 
  • Discussion of the possible use of geolocation technology to aid in deterring fraud.
  • A list of "sunset" materials that are up for their 5-year review to be allowed in organic production

The National Organic Coalition is holding a debrief on Key Outcomes from the Spring 2023 NOSB Meeting & NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting in Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, May 17 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm eastern. Register by Monday, May 15 to participate.

You can read OFA’s comments to the NOSB here. 

Origin of Livestock; New Information Collection

One year ago, USDA published the long awaited Origin of Livestock (OOL) final rule, creating clear standards for transitioning livestock to organic production and closing loopholes to create a level playing field for organic dairies. The rule allows organic dairy producers to transition non-organic animals to organic only one time. Any new animals are required to be managed organically from the last third of gestation, dairies may not source animals that have been transitioned elsewhere.

There is an allowance in the rule for variances to be requested by small operations under a limited circumstances: 

  • When the certified operation selling the transitioned animals is part of a bankruptcy proceeding or a forced sale 
  • When the certified operation has become insolvent, must liquidate its animals, and as a result has initiated a formal process to cease its operations 
  • If the certified operation wishes to conduct an intergenerational transfer of transitioned animals to an immediate family member 

This April, NOP put out a request for public comment on information collection required when requesting a variance under the above circumstances. They are seeking public comment on the following topics: 

  • Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility
  • The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used
  • Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected
  • Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

For more details and to submit comments click this link. The 60-day comment period is scheduled to close on June 26, 2023.

NRCS Announces $75 Million to Assist Producers Transitioning to Organic

Last month NRCS announced that they would invest $75 million in conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic as part of the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI). The majority of the funding will be used to provide direct assistance to farmers adopting the new EQUIP organic management standard. 

The remaining $5 million will be dedicated to partnering with technical experts to develop regional networks and support NRCS staff in providing organic training and expertise. USDA is accepting proposals for these partnerships until June 11, 2023. You can read more details on the funding opportunities here.

 

by Amber Lippon

April 2023 Policy Update

April 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

Work on 2024 Spending Bills is Underway

Amid heated debate over raising the debt ceiling so that the federal government can continue to run essential programs, Congress is starting the annual process of putting together the “appropriations” bills that set the spending levels for each federal agency, including USDA.

Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Subcommittees in both the House and Senate ask members of congress and the public to submit their budget requests for Fiscal Year 2024 in April. OFA submitted testimony asking for increased funds for programs that benefit organic producers, including the National Organic Program, the Organic Transition Program, and research programs.

House and Senate Agriculture Committees Continue Farm Bill Hearings

As work on marker bills for the Farm Bill continues behind the scenes, the Senate Agriculture Committee is set to begin a new round of hearings when they return from recess in mid-April. The first hearing in the lineup will be with the Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics and Research subcommittee and focus on nutrition programs. It’s scheduled for just a few days after Subcommittee Chair Fetterman returns to Washington after his hospitalization. Other hearings tentatively scheduled on the committee agenda are as follows:

  • April 20: Conservation, Climate, Forestry and Natural Resources (conservation focus)
  • April 27: Commodities, Risk Management and Trade (crop insurance and farm credit focus)
  • May 2: Commodities, Risk Management and Trade (commodity groups focus)
  • May 17: Rural Development and Energy (broadband focus)

When the schedule is finalized you will be able to see the dates and times and watch virtually here. 

Meanwhile on the House side, Chairman G.T. Thompson continues a series of listening sessions, with the next scheduled for April 14 in Binghamton NY. See meeting details and watch the livestream here.

Spring Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board

The spring meeting of the National Organic Standards Board will take place April 25 through April 27 in person in Atlanta, Georgia.

Some of the big topics on the board’s meeting agenda include: 

  • A proposal outlining why certified organic producers should automatically be considered climate-smart.
  • Discussion of the realities of crop insurance for organic farmers. 
  • Discussion of the possible use of geolocation technology to aid in deterring fraud.
  • A list of "sunset" materials that are up for their 5-year review to be allowed in organic production. 

You can read the Board’s proposed recommendations and discussion documents here.  For information on watching the meeting on Zoom, go to the USDA’s page for this meeting. The public comment sessions for this meeting will be held on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 18 and the afternoon of Thursday, April 20. You can read OFA’s comments to the Board here.

by Amber Lippon

March 2023 Policy Update

March 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

Organic Farmers Visit Washington D.C.

Last week, members of OFA’s Policy Committee and Governance Committee traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for our Farm Bill priorities. Over the course of the week farmers visited the offices of nearly 50 members of Congress to advocate for policies that will strengthen the National Organic Program and support organic farmers, including the following issues:

  • Organic Integrity
  • Assistance for Organic Dairy Farmers
  • Organic Research
  • Making USDA Programs work for Organic Farmers
  • Climate & Conservation
  • Increasing Organic Infrastructure
  • Working with Allies to Build a Better Food System

OFA members also joined allies to participate in the Rally for Resilience and march to the Capitol and conducted meetings at USDA. In a meeting with National Organic Program (NOP) staff they advocated the need for a faster timeline for rulemaking, discussed the rollout of the recently finalized Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule, and reiterated the importance of limiting organic certification to soil-based farms, not those that rely on hydroponics or container systems. At the Farm Service Agency (FSA), farmers spoke on the need for staff at state FSA offices to be educated on organics, the importance of fully funding organic certification cost-share, and asked questions about the recently announced Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program. 

Both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees are accepting public comment on Farm Bill priorities. You can use the links below to make your voice heard. Use OFA’s Farm Bill priorities for talking points and specific programs, and be sure to include information about why these policies will help YOUR farm.

https://agriculture.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=2

https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/farm-bill-input

USDA Announces Funding to Increase Independent Meat Processing Capacity

Last month, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $59 million in investments to support the Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain. The grants will be provided to five independent processors as part of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). Recipients include a facility in Virginia that will use the funds to expand its organic chicken processing capacity. 

This round of grants was preceded by 2 previous rounds of grants announced in November of last year, and this January. Read more about these USDA programs here.

Participate in the National Organic Standards Board’s Spring 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. The in-person portion of this year’s Spring NOSB will take place in Atlanta, Georgia. 

  • Public Comment Webinar Day 1: Tuesday, April 18 from Noon - 5:00 pm Eastern
  • Public Comment Webinar Day 2: Thursday, April 20 from Noon - 5:00 pm Eastern
  • NOSB Public Meeting Day 1: Tuesday, April 25 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Eastern
  • NOSB Public Meeting Day 2: Wednesday, April 26 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Eastern 
  • NOSB Public Meeting Day 3: Thursday, April 27 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Eastern

You can watch the meeting online, and the public comment portions of the meeting will be virtual. Meeting information and the registration form to sign up for public comment are here (registration form is at bottom of page.) The deadline to submit written comments and requests to provide oral comments is April 5, 2023.

by Amber Lippon

February 2023 Policy Update

February 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule Released At Last!

National Organic Program enforcement and stopping organic import fraud have been top priorities for Organic Farmers Association members since our founding. After several years of advocacy, the new Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule was finally released in January, with an implementation date set for March 19, 2024. Our full 2020 comments on the rule can be read here.

The final rule is a long overdue step towards the robust enforcement needed to protect the integrity of the organic label and the economic viability of organic farms that rely on consumer trust in that label. It will address topics including: applicability of the regulations and exemptions from organic certification; National Organic Program Import Certificates; recordkeeping and product traceability; certifying agent personnel qualifications and training; standardized certificates of organic operation; unannounced on-site inspections of certified operations; oversight of certification activities; foreign conformity assessment systems; certification of grower group operations; labeling of non retail containers; annual update requirements for certified operations; compliance and appeals processes; and calculating organic content of multi-ingredient products. 

There is still more work to do to prevent fraud in the organic sector and provide a level and fair playing field for organic producers. OFA will continue to advocate before Congress to provide the National Organic Program (NOP) with the resources needed to increase the agency’s standards of training, information sharing, and other enforcement activities, and the authority needed to address fraud in domestic or international markets, such as stop sale authority. 

USDA Announces Assistance for Organic Dairy Farms

Organic dairy farmers are in crisis due to drought, market consolidation, and skyrocketing energy and feed costs brought on by unstable global markets and inflation. 

Organic Farmers Association (OFA) and allies have been calling on Congress to provide emergency financial relief to organic dairy farmers to help offset the high cost of production before more farms go out of business. Late last year, congress directed USDA to find sources of funding to help organic dairy farmers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency moved swiftly, and, in January, announced its plans to distribute funding. USDA’s full announcement is posted here.

The details of the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) are still in development, and OFA is working with organic dairy farmers and allied organizations to stay abreast of developments and to advocate for a strong program that will deliver the  maximum payments directly and entirely to farmers. So far, USDA has said that the program will be administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency and will cover up to 75 percent of projected 2023 marketing costs for eligible organic dairy producers - targeting small and mid-sized operations.  

While this aid is desperately needed, the amount of money earmarked for the program will not be enough to make organic dairy farmers whole. New programs specifically tailored to address increased cost of production for organic dairy are still urgently needed as part of the 2023 Farm Bill, and OFA will continue working with our organic dairy farmer members and Congress to advocate for strong long term solutions for organic dairy.

Key Congressional Committees Finalized

This month, the 118th Congress finalized key committee assignments and subcommittee leadership.

The Democratically controlled Senate Agriculture Committee added two new Democrats. Senator Peter Welch (VT) served as US representative since 2007 and is known as an ally to organic farmers. This is his first term in the Senate. John Fetterman is also a newly elected Senator. He formerly served as Lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, and focused on the need to fight consolidation in agriculture and implement anti-trust policies in meatpacking during his Senate campaign.

The Republican controlled House Agriculture Committee has added a slew of new members, and  made some changes to its subcommittee structure. Organic policy will now generally come under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture, chaired by Representative Brad Finstad of MN to chair. Some issues of importance to OFA, such as crop insurance and research will be covered by other subcommittees.

Republicans John Rose, Ronny Jackson, Marc Molinaro, Monica De La Cruz, Nick Langworthy, John Duarte, Zach Nunn, Mark Alford, Derrick Van Orden, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Max Miller have been added to the committee. And eleven new members were added; freshman legislators, Yadira Caraveo, Andrea Salinas, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Don Davis, Jill Tokuda, Nikki Budzinski, Greg Casar, Jasmine Crockett, Jonathan Jackson, Eric Sorensen and Gabe Vasquez, as well as Elissa Slotkin, who is new to the Agriculture committee. There was intense competition for the remaining democratic seats, but House Ag veterans Chellie Pingree, Salud Carbajal, Darren Soto, and Angie Craig all came away with spots.

The subcommittee's jurisdiction will cover trade agreements and commitments, agricultural export programs, and U.S. food aid initiatives; SNAP Oversight of commodity distribution programs, and Marketing and promotion programs related to fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops.

Farm Bill Hearings Continue

With committee membership largely decided, both House and Senate Agriculture Committees are getting to work on the Farm Bill.

The Senate Agriculture Committee has held two full committee hearings so far in 2023.One focused on Commodity Programs, Crop Insurance, and Credit, and one focused on Trade and Horticulture. You can view the committee calendar and see recordings of past hearings here.

Meanwhile in the House Ag committee, G.T. Thompsone held a listening session at the Pennsylvania Farm show in January, and the House Agriculture Committee held its first official meeting on February 8th.

by Amber Lippon

January 2023 Policy Update

January 2023

By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

Leadership Changes in Congress

A divided Congress with narrowly held majorities on both sides means a challenging path for the 2023 Farm Bill.  

This month marks the start of the 118th Congress, with Republicans narrowly in the majority. Representative Kevin McCarthy (California) was elected House Speaker early on Saturday, after 15th rounds of voting! This was the first time in 100 years that multiple rounds of voting were required to elect a House speaker. Because the Republican majority is so slim, just 20 House members on the far right were able to hold up the election and eventually extracted concessions that will significantly weaken the speaker position, and empower the most conservative wing of the party.  The delay in electing the House Speaker also pushed back the formation of key House committees including the Ag Committee. Presumed House Ag Chair G.T. Thompson pushed back the date of his first committee listening session. Originally slated for this Saturday, it’s been rescheduled to Friday, January 13th.

Meanwhile in the Senate, where Democrats retained the majority, Agriculture Committee chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) has announced that she won’t seek reelection in 2024. Senator Mike Bennet (D-Colorado) is likely next in line for her committee chair position, though Senator Klobuchar or Senator Gillibrand may also seek the role. Democrats will be left with  a tough Senate race in battleground state Michigan, providing motivation for them to try to pass the Farm Bill on time, before the next election cycle.

Organic Agriculture Makes Gains in the Appropriations Package

Last month, Congress finally passed the annual spending package, after months of delay. The bill will increase 2023 funding for the National Organic Program from $20 million to $22 million. The package also promises $7.5 million dollars to the Organic Transitions Program for organic research.

In addition to these funding increases, the spending omnibus includes language giving the USDA 30 days to report on available funding for relief for organic dairy farmers, and the following language highlighting the need for increased data collection about market conditions: “The agreement recognizes the need for organic dairy producers to have detailed data about market conditions in order to make decisions about the value of their products. Within 60 days of enactment of this Act, AMS is directed to brief the Committees on the feasibility of collection and publication of organic fluid milk data from all Federal Milk Marketing Orders.”

USDA Releases 2021 Organic Survey Results

Last month, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) release the results of their 2021 Organic Survey, a census of all known operations with certified or transitioning organic production in the United States conducted in cooperation with the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). The survey results show a 13% increase in total sales of organic products from 2019, and a 5% increase in the number of certified organic farms in that same period. Click here for the full results of the 2021 survey and previous surveys.

Save the Date: Rally for Resilience

Over the past year we’ve seen the launch of significant federal incentives for climate-friendly agriculture. And with 2023 as a Farm Bill year, the time is now to keep the pressure on in Washington for further policy change. 

On March 6-8 farmers and farm organizations from around the country will converge in DC and at satellite events in other states to call on Congress to make sure the 2023 Farm Bill provides farmers with the resources and incentives they need to address climate change.

Click here to view the event page and find out how you can get involved.

by Amber Lippon