Advocacy

On September 29, 2024, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon ruled against a pending legal challenge to organic “grower group” certification following a brief filed earlier this year by the Center for Food Safety along with the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and other organic stakeholders, including organic nonprofits, companies, certifiers and grocers, in support of USDA’s grower group certification.  

With the clock running down on the Farm Bill (set to expire on October 1) and funding for key organic programs missing from the proposed Continuing Resolution to fund the Government through January, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) sent an urgent message to Congress encouraging them to find the funding to safeguard critical organic programs that support hard-working American farmers.  

In today’s politically charged environment engaging in public policy seems more like a contact sport than an exercise in civic dialogue. I’ve done it; you’ve done it – turned off the TV, changed the radio station, or avoided social media altogether because you’re exhausted and frustrated by the polarizing and fractured state of political affairs. 

Plenty of questions are emerging regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overrule the Chevron Doctrine.  The repercussions of this case strengthen the Organic Trade Association’s resolve to advocate for continuous improvement in the regulatory process, and to provide technical expertise to congressional offices that need it now more than ever. As we explore those impacts in detail, it’s important to remember the decision underlines the value of the entire organic industry working together - from seed to shelf. 

USDA organic has an expanding fanbase in Gen Z. The Consumer Perception of USDA Organic Report released earlier this year from the Organic Trade Association, revealed that young people are driving the growth of organic as they prioritize value-based eating. 77% of Millennial and Gen Z survey respondents described organic claims as at least somewhat important to them, jumping from only 55% of Gen X and Baby Boomer consumers.   

On Friday, May 17th, the House Agriculture Committee released the full draft of its Farm Bill in advance of the committee markup scheduled for Thursday, May 23.

On March 6, 2024, the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 4366) by a roll call vote of 339-85. Farmers and food and fiber companies across the country can finally breathe a sigh of relief with the risk of a USDA shutdown being put to bed after a series of short extensions and shutdown threats since fiscal year 2023 funding expired last September.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 29, 2024

On October 24-26, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) held its biannual public meeting in Providence, RI. The primary purpose of NOSB meetings is to provide an opportunity for organic stakeholders to give input on proposed NOSB recommendations and discussion items. The meetings also allow NOSB to receive updates from USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) on issues pertaining to organic agriculture. The meeting got underway with a call to order and opening remarks from Dr. Jennifer Tucker, the National Organic Program (NOP) Deputy Administrator.

Our hard work has paid off – thank you! 

Today the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is celebrating the long-awaited strengthening of organic animal welfare standards by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This action by the department is a major win for organic producers, consumers and for all of you who have steadily advocated for more robust regulations.