Spring 2022 ORGANIC REPORT 18 production, marketing, and increasing resiliency. “As we’ve been listening to folks in the industry about what should be in our transition to organic investment, a big thing that we hear is the need for oneto-one farmer support for transitioning producers,” said Jenny. “I remember when my father transitioned to organic in the 1980s, he really relied on support from other farmers to learn where to get seeds, and for growing guidance. That mentorship is critical for helping farmers transition to organic.” Reducing the barriers to organic certification is critical for continued growth and success. By increasing access to federal support funds facilitating mentorship and learning opportunities, the U.S. can open the doors to a more diverse array of producers from across the country interested in growing organically. “We’re really excited to think about ways to invest that will be transformational—to not only incentivize producers to enter organic, but ensure that they have the tools and support they need from their peers and across the supply chain,” said Marni. “It’s not just about expanding acres, but also about growing the supply chain so that producers can actually get their product to market.” In addition to pandemic assistance programs, organic and transitioning producers can also benefit from an array of existing USDA organic initiatives, including USDA’s Organic Transitions Program, Organic Certification Cost Share Program, and the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT As the USDA Organic seal enters its twentysecond year, the industry is not content to rest on its laurels. Already the most regulated and rigorous agricultural label claim on the market, the organic industry continues to advocate for updates to organic standards, guidelines, and policies to better keep pace with the needs of a changing marketplace and a changing planet. “We have to allow for change and innovation, and that’s where organic plays such a big role,” says Jenny. “Organic producers have for years been implementing climate smart practices and really leading the way on soil health and environmentally sustainable techniques. There’s an opportunity for all of us to be sharing those practices that work.” In the past 10 years, industry stakeholders have advanced 20 consensus recommendations for improvements to the organic standards, yet USDA’s National Organic Program has not implemented a single one. By clearing the backlog of the industry consensus recommendations and moving forward on long-delayed rulemakings, USDA can strengthen consumers’ faith in the organic seal and spur growth and innovation within the industry. Congress can also help by passing the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act, which calls on USDA to develop an action plan for clearing the backlog of NOSB recommendations and creates a system of accountability and transparency for going forward. It will also improve oversight and ensure consistent certification practices and decisions. “We’ve heard loud and clear from stakeholders that they want to see continuous improvement in the standards,” says Marni. “We’re looking forward to providing some next steps on that front very soon.” THE FUTURE OF ORGANIC With the 2023 Farm Bill just around the corner and consumer interest in healthy eating and growing at an all-time high, it’s an exciting time for the organic industry. There will be significant opportunities for organic to become a more engaged, transparent, and equitable industry and community. In closing, Jenny and Marni shared a few thoughts, goals, and aspirations for the future of organic in the years to come. “I’d encourage USDA and the organic industry to really shine a light on what it means to be organic, the people and the practices behind that label claim,” says Jenny. “Show us rotational grazing, show us the practices that are so vital, but consumers might not yet know about. Talk about the nexus of climate smart practices within organic.” Jenny also emphasized her focus on ensuring that organic is part of all the dialogues and work being done across USDA, from crop insurance to research programs. “We need to really integrate organic as part of our nomenclature at USDA so that consumers can recognize it as a key part of American agriculture,” she says. Marni emphasized the positive impact she sees OTCEP having on existing and transitioning producers, and suggested that organic has a key role to play in widespread adoption of climate smart agricultural practices. “My hope would be that we as the organic community embrace the opportunity to do the hard work around equity and that we embrace the opportunity to be a shining star on climate work,” says Marni. “In the past, organic has sometimes been perceived as small or on the fringe. I want organic to have a meaningful seat at the table.” Reana Kovalcik is Director of Public Affairs for the Organic Trade Association. Leadership
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