ORGANIC ADVOCACY

We advocate for the change we want to see by building relationships, sharing our technical expertise and elevating our stories.

OUR ADVOCACY WORK IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

Our state-level advocacy work has elevated Oregon as a national leader in research and extension for organic producers, with two organic extension agents.

Our advocacy efforts have contributed to the permanent funding for a key organic research program in the federal Farm Bill. Funding levels increased from $20M in 2020 and will finally reach a permanent baseline of $50M in 2023.

Our federal advocacy work has contributed to increases in funding for key conservation programs that help farmers and ranchers support natural resources like soil and water. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) available funding level will increase from $1.75B in 2019 to $2.25B in 2023.

In the last three years (2020-2022), we have provided over 141 pages of comments to the USDA National Organic Program to support continuous improvement.

Our advocacy efforts helped restore $20 million to the Organic Cost-Share program to support producers transitioning to organic in the fall of 2021.

OUR ADVOCACY WORK IS FOCUSED ON THREE MAIN AREAS:

1. Climate Change Solutions and Resilience

Organic is a part of the climate change solution. Organic practices are proven to enhance soil health, mitigate climate change and improve on-farm resiliency. Organic producers and practices should be robustly supported as one of the viable solutions to climate change.

2. Organic Integrity and Continuous Improvement

Organic is a success story. The consumer demand for organic products has never been greater. We must take steps to assure the future growth and success of organics by continually improving organic standards, ensuring integrity and eliminating fraud.

3. Investments in Organic

While organic products represent about six percent of all United States food sales, organic management systems only receive about one percent of USDA agricultural research funding. Increased investments will expand organic production and ensure a more resilient agricultural system.