Act Now to Help Protect Organic Integrity
Organic is at a crossroads.
Organic farms and businesses depend on the federal government for strong enforcement, critical research programs that help farmers navigate shifting markets and climate challenges, and technical assistance to help implement conservation practices and transition to organic certification. This is a $71.6 billion industry overseen by the National Organic Program (NOP) at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The integrity of the organic label is at risk.
Staffing cuts, funding slowdowns, and a proposed reorganization at USDA are limiting the agency's capacity to provide robust oversight, research, and support for the $71.6 billion organic sector. While Congress debates how to keep the government funded and delays enacting a new comprehensive Farm Bill, USDA leaders have frozen and cut programs that are critical to the success of organic operations.
The future of organic is at stake.
In this moment, we need to make our voice heard to make sure organic farms and businesses have the tools and protection they need to succeed. The organic movement stands at a critical juncture. Years of hard-won progress toward a strong, trusted organic label and the resources necessary to uphold and enforce it are now under threat.
NOC is gearing up to meet the moment.
NOC has launched a rapid response fundraising campaign to meet the growing threats with coordinated, sustained advocacy to defend organic integrity and secure a thriving future for organic agriculture. Acting now will help ensure the infrastructure behind the organic seal remains strong and credible.
Thanks to generous matching commitments from Patagonia and PCC Community Markets, all individual contributions up to $15,000 will be doubled, which means up to $30,000 going to rapid response and critical advocacy.