August 2023 Policy Update

August 6, 2023
|In News
|By Amber Lippon

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.