By Ed Maltby, NODPA Executive Director
Many organic dairy producers may not be affected by any federal actions, but organic farmers are in the unique position of having their future in the hands of a relatively small federal program at the USDA. Organic farmers face a very basic uncertainty: Will the National Organic Program be adequately staffed and funded under this administration? With many new hires over the last few years located across the country, many of whom fall into the category of ‘probationary’ and targeted for firing, the program cannot survive if it must follow the new policy that restricts hiring only one new employee for every 4 that have been lost once the hiring freeze has ended.
The NOP is required by law to work with the NOSB to make recommendations to the Secretary on new and updated regulations to protect the integrity of the Organic Seal and ensure compliance. The USDA announced that “The Spring 2025 NOSB meeting is being rescheduled,” with no explanation about next steps. The administration’s new policy is that for every one new regulation, eleven must be canceled. That does not work for organic, and, in the past, lack of regulations has severely affected organic dairy producers, regardless of how efficient employees are or how many upgrades are made to the USDA’s electronic software.
Organic farmers make the choice to become organic, pay to be certified and agree to greater accountability in production practices. They provide a commodity that consumers increasingly want to purchase in a unique public/private partnership, which is the gold standard for certification from farm to table. Organic certification is not for everyone but for those farmers who have invested time, money and sweat equity, their income relies on a strong program administered by qualified personnel.
Now is the time for everyone to advocate to whomever you can about the need for a well-funded and staffed NOP; this includes your congressional representatives, senators, USDA agency leaders, staff, and anyone else you think can influence the process. The Plain communities, while very diverse, had an impact on the most recent elections and do have leverage with politicians, as does every farm family in the country, so please use it.
By Ed Maltby, NODPA Executive Director
The agriculture community is being hit hard by the confusion and uncertainty of what is happening with the federal government. Farmers are being directly impacted by not being reimbursed for cash they have laid out after signing a binding contract--cash that in many cases they do not have and have had to borrow, or ask their contractor for more credit. The multiplier effect is dramatic for rural communities. We can only hope that lenders are understanding. USDA offices and field staff are already sparse in rural communities; the proposed widespread employee cuts and office closures will only make the necessary process of working with the government more difficult and confusing. Farmers that have benefited from grant programs, some contracted for production practices over many years, are unsure what the future holds. Everyone can agree that we have confusion and uncertainty, which creates its own high level of stress to add to the built-in stress of farming.
Posted: to Industry News on Sat, Mar 15, 2025
Updated: Sat, Mar 15, 2025
