October 24, 2011
 We all know our country and the world are facing enormous economic challenges, the impact of which remains to be seen. With massive deficit reduction required, we know that there will be impact – where and how this impact will be felt is being decided today by Members of Congress as they face the daunting task of determining where the unprecedented spending cuts can, and will, come from. I am reaching out to you today regarding the potential impact to the organic industry, and to ask for your help.
In the last Farm Bill, the organic sector saw great progress in support for critical programs that have resulted in staffing, capacity and oversight at the National Organic Program (NOP), critical data collection on organic agriculture, increased research at land-grant universities on organic farming, and support to reduce the cost of certification for small producers and handlers. These essential programs that grow consumer confidence, convert acres, and result in organic sales are now at risk. We hear over and over again in Washington that “everything is on the table.” What does that mean? It means organic is on the table! While the funding for organic programs—130 million dollars over the last five years— is miniscule in relation to the overall budget, everything is under scrutiny and consideration. This includes NOP, data collection, certification cost-share, and research. Everything that receives federal funding and provides the basis for our industry to continue to grow and add jobs in a faltering economy may be impacted.
OTA is all-hands-on-deck, and staff has been dedicated to the fight for these critical programs. Now, however, we need your help. How can you make a difference? You are key to these decisions makers. You are a Congressional constituent. You need to reach out to your elected federal officials and make sure they remember organic while making these tough decisions. Invest five minutes of your day to help protect the years of investment you have made in your business by taking these two simple steps:
OTA staff is here to help.* Learn more about OTA’s organic Farm Bill priorities and don’t miss this critical opportunity to preserve the well-being of your business and the organic industry.
Regards,
Christine Bushway
Executive Director and CEO, Organic Trade Association
(202) 403-8510
*Contact OTA with questions:
Laura Batcha, Executive Vice President (202) 403-8512
Will Telligman, Legislative and Advocacy Manager (202) 403-8511
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