Update from Mark Rokala, Policy Director
House and Senate conferees passed and the President has said he will sign, H.J. Res. 31, the 2019 omnibus spending package that includes funding for the FY 2019 Agriculture programs. The appropriations bills had been delayed by the disagreements over wall funding and the government shutdown.
Funding for USDA including the National Organic Program, was included in the omnibus package. Congress included a $2 million increase for the National Organic Program ($14.1 million). At a time when the organics industry is growing at an extremely rapid pace and imports of organic foods are increasing significantly, this funding will assist with oversight and enforcement to ensure the organic seal keeps pace with consumer expectations.
Congress also included $6 million for the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) which supports the development and implementation of research, extension and higher education programs that improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those who are adopting organic practices.
Farm bill implementation has started. USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey announced that USDA is hosting a listening session for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill on February 26 in Washington, DC. They are accepting public written comments from farmers and other stakeholders until MARCH 1 via the federal register. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Risk Management Agency.
Organic Farmers Association staff will be following the USDA’s work as they implement the Agricultural Marketing Services work on the National Organic Program.
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Organic Farmers Association members support a strong voice for organic farmers in Washington, D.C.
The Organic Farmers Association is the ONLY national organization where solely independent certified organic farms determine its policies and work agenda. OFA was founded on the belief that the voice of farmers like you should carry the most weight in agricultural policy decisions.
In recent years, OFA has made a difference by putting significant pressure on the USDA to finalize the Origin of Livestock Rule to help organic dairies and finalize the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule to stop organic fraud and increase enforcement. We testified and advocated to allow paper pots for small-scale vegetable growers, introduced the ODAIRY Act of 2023, and advocated for stronger animal welfare standards for organic livestock and poultry production (OLPS Rule).
We have proved that farmer voices are stronger when we work together. Join us in this movement by becoming a member today!
Farm
Membership
U.S. certified organic farmers should select this membership. Only farm members are eligible to vote on Organic Farmers Association policy positions and priorities. International farmers, or farms that are not certified organic, should select the Supporter Membership.
Supporter Membership
Not a certified organic farmer, but want to support the organic farmers that make our planet and food systems a better place? Supporter members will be connected to the discussions about policies that affect organic farmers, and be called to advocate on their behalf.
Organization Membership
Organizations that have a significant membership (or stakeholders) of certified organic farmers should select this membership. Organization Members receive the tools they need to advocate for policies important to organic farmers and extend their network.