Organic agriculture representatives met with lawmakers Tuesday through a virtual fly-in. The Organic Trade Association hosted the event, continuing Wednesday, to brief the new administration on the challenges the organic sector faces. The issues from more than 20 organic producers from a dozen states are expansive and including ensuring continuous improvement and accountability in organic standards.
Industry advocates also expressed the need for increasing funding for organic research, providing organic farmers, businesses and workers with adequate support and protection to help deal with COVID-19 and restoring full funding to help organic farmers cover their certification fees. The industry also seeks investment in federal programs to support farmers in successfully transitioning to, and staying in, organic production. Organic Trade Association Vice President of Government Affairs Megan DeBates says, “There are plenty of spaces now where our ‘asks’ can come, in the next farm bill, climate change policy, COVID recovery, so this is a great time to be presenting the organic case.”
