Spring 2022 ORGANIC REPORT 38 spent on shoring up farm country outside of traditional farm bill programs. During the Trump administration, tens of billions of dollars were given to farmers to offset retaliatory tariffs and actions taken against the U.S. agriculture sector because of international trade conflicts. And then, COVID disrupted the food supply chain resulting in billions more in assistance for agriculture. THE FUTURE OF THE LABEL IS AT STAKE So, what will be the top priority for the Organic Trade Association in the next farm bill? It’s been more than 30 years since the passage of OFPA and more than 20 years since USDA implemented the final rule that established the regulations. Although the USDA Organic label remains the gold standard around the world for transparent standards in agriculture, the sector is losing steam to competing private labels in the marketplace. Much more can be done to meet the evolving expectations and demands of consumers concerned about the impacts of our food system on climate change, soil health, animal welfare, and the health and well-being of humans and workers. Organic must be well-positioned to meet these needs into the future. Although OFPA is updated and amended every farm bill, now is a good time to take a fresh look and make major changes to ensure a sustainable market. While the organic market has skyrocketed from $8.6 billion in sales in 2002 to more than $62 billion today, USDA—the regulatory body charged with updating the organic standards—has not kept pace with industry growth or consumer expectations. The biggest challenge facing organic businesses, farmers, and consumers is USDA’s failure to update and clarify the organic standards regularly, leading to inconsistent enforcement and competitive harm in the marketplace. In the lead up to the next farm bill, the Organic Trade Association has partnered with Arizona State University’s (ASU) Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems led by Dr. Kathleen Merrigan who, when congressional aide to Senator Patrick Leahy, helped write OFPA during the 1990 Farm Bill. The Organic Trade Association and ASU recently hosted a series of virtual workshops bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders from certifiers, inspectors, retailers, consumer-facing brands, farmers, researchers, non-profits, and advocacy organizations to discuss the future of organic. Over 200 individuals participated and contributed their ideas and perspectives. The workshops explored topics such as the structure of the public-private partnership between USDA and the organic sector, continuous improvement in the organic standards, accreditation, certification, accountability and enforcement, and the future of marketing claims and their relationship to organic. The outcomes of these dynamic conversations will culminate in the release of a report later this spring that will help shape necessary updates to both the organic law and regulations in the next farm bill. Stay tuned! And to find the most up to date information go to ota.com/future. Megan DeBates is Vice President of Government Affairs for the Organic Trade Association. Legislative Affairs Made From Recycled Food Waste Contains Beneficial Microbes Nutritionally Balanced Safe For Pets & Home No Manure Non GMO Easy to Use Pre-Digested THE WORLD'S FIRST FAST ACTING ORGANIC FERTILIZER. FARMER FAVORITES NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOME GARDENERS! Gardeners: AGROTHRIVE.COM | Farmers: AGROTHRIVE.AG Scan Here to Learn More
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