By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director

Federal Government Reopens

The recent government shutdown concluded with the passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR) that funds the government through January 30. The shutdown was prolonged by disagreement between Democrats and Republicans regarding the fate of enhanced tax credits for millions of Americans who receive health insurance via the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which are scheduled to expire at the end of the year. These tax credits, part of the original ACA legislation, were enhanced in 2021 under the Biden administration to broaden eligibility and reduce income contribution caps. President Trump’s massive spending bill signed in July did not include an extension of these credits. To secure enough Democratic votes for the spending bill to reopen the government, GOP lawmakers agreed to work on this issue once the shutdown ended, and now negotiations are underway.

The CR reversed any firings of federal employees that occurred during the partial government closure that began on October 1, the start of fiscal 2026, and prohibits further Reductions in Force (RIFs) while the resolution is active.

Finally, the new stopgap funding bill included a one-year extension of farm bill programs through September 2026, and suspends permanent agricultural laws that would incentivize Congress to speed work on a full Farm Bill.

Farm Bill Advocacy

With the inclusion of many agriculture provisions important to large scale commodity growers in the Big Beautiful Bill Act, and the suspension of key incentives that would encourage moving towards a full Farm Bill, momentum toward a new Farm Bill continues to slow.

Despite the uncertain timeline, OFA and allied organizations continue to advocate for the inclusion of key policies for organic in any future Farm Bill. 

OFA is working for a Farm Bill that supports organic farmers by:

• Improving organic integrity
• Funding increased organic research
• Making USDA programs like credit and crop insurance work for organic farmers
• Expanding the Organic Certification Cost Share Program to better serve small and underserved producers
• Providing assistance for organic dairy farmers
• Increasing organic infrastructure
• Preventing organic import fraud

Read about all the marker bills OFA is supporting here, and take action here by asking your legislators to continue working toward a comprehensive Farm Bill. 

Annual Policy Survey

Organic farmers need their own voice. Giving organic farmers true representation in policy and Washington, D.C. on the issues important to us is our number one goal. OFA’s grassroots process ensures that farmers are in the driver seat and that the policies we represent address the challenges farmers experience in the field. That process starts with our Annual Policy Survey, which is open to all certified organic farmers and circulating now!

Click here to take the survey, and be sure to share it with other organic farmers.