December 13, 2010
Many members are asking what impact the results of the recent mid-term elections will have on the organic industry. I can say unequivocally that we will need to work very hard to protect the gains we’ve made in funding and attention to organic agriculture and trade within U.S. agricultural policy.
All of us have been pleased with the current administration’s focus on organic. We have a better funded National Organic Program (NOP) and initiatives to ensure all USDA agencies are looking at ways to support organic. OTA knew we needed to “make hay while the sun shines”, and our everyday presence in Washington, DC over the past year—enabled by your membership and Annual Fund dollars— has made a huge difference in our visibility and the ability of our message to get through to policymakers and the public.
Doing the right work, in the right place, at the right time, is part of OTA’s strategic plan to position the association for long-term effectiveness. Earlier this month, OTA’s New England headquarters moved to Vermont, giving us a home among the leaders and grassroots of organic agriculture in the United States. Senator Patrick Leahy himself, the “father of organic” and second most senior member of Senate, has personally warmly welcomed OTA to Vermont and we are thrilled to serve our members from a more modern facility.
In February, OTA will be expanding the size of our Washington, DC office. I want to emphasize that this is your office. Please come and use it. We have rooms that can be reserved for meetings, and space where you can work while in town. OTA staff can also schedule appointments for you on the Hill, so that you can be front and center in our advocacy efforts promoting and protecting organic. OTA needs its members to be more visible to Members of Congress, and we are ready for you to come!
2011 will usher in a changed political landscape that will affect how organic agriculture and products are addressed in U.S. government policy. The conventional agriculture and biotech industries are feeling empowered and will use their Congressional and media allies to downplay the benefits of organic agriculture and products.
Because you supported OTA even in challenging economic times, we are strong enough and well positioned to handle the significant threats to organic that are now emerging. I hope we can rely on both your active participation as well as financial support going forward so that our work in 2011 can be as effective as possible in this new climate.
Your for organic,
Christine Bushway
Executive Director / CEO
Organic Trade Association
802-275-3833
703-922-4161 (DC office)
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