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.