Organic Research Funding for 2025 Is Stalled — Here’s Why It Matters
More resilient farms. Healthy soils. Real solutions to emerging challenges. That’s what organic research delivers. At a time when producers are already navigating climate extremes, shifting markets, and rising costs, NOC is increasingly concerned that research dollars allocated by Congress have not yet been awarded for 2025.
In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress strengthened organic research by authorizing $50 million per year in mandatory funding for the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI). Yet the administration’s ongoing review of research grants has stalled this year’s process, and it is now highly unlikely the organic sector will see a call for proposals before September 30, the end of the government’s fiscal year. Funds that are not obligated by September 30 risk being returned to the Treasury—an action commonly referred to as impoundment. Impounding congressionally mandated funds is not legal.
NOC is in active contact with leaders on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, who have also expressed serious concern. We are urging USDA to move swiftly to obligate these dollars and keep organic research on track.
What’s at stake right now
Organic research turns real farmer questions into real answers—improving soil health and fertility, boosting on-farm biodiversity, refining pest and disease management without prohibited inputs, and strengthening economic viability through better rotations, seed choices, grazing systems, and market strategies. That knowledge flows through extension, farmer networks, and supply-chain partners—the entire organic ecosystem benefits.
Why research underpins organic integrity
The strength of the organic sector depends on strong farmers, healthy soil, and a consistent commitment to listening, sharing, learning, and adapting. That’s what research allows us to do. It also reinforces public trust: when organic standards are backed by peer-reviewed science and field-tested practices, the USDA Organic seal stays meaningful and resilient.
What NOC is doing
Pressing for immediate action: We’re urging USDA to obligate this year’s OREI funds to prevent disruptions to organic research.
Coordinating with partners: We’re aligned with organizations across the movement—including the Organic Farming Research Foundation, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Organic Trade Association, and Organic Farmers Association—to keep pressure high and the message clear: research dollars must reach the field.
Elevating farmer voices: We’re sharing concrete examples of how organic research solves real problems on real farms.
For a deeper dive on why organic research matters and what it delivers, see resources from our colleagues