What We’re Watching in D.C.

Funding, Organic CERTIFIcation Cost Share, & Farm BIll

Congress returned to Washington on September 2 with a crowded agenda. Two deadlines matter most for organic right now: keeping the government funded and the possible passage of a ‘skinny’ Farm Bill this fall. Below are some updates on where things stand and opportunities for action to support organic.

1) Appropriations

Congress must pass new funding bills—or a short-term extension known as a ‘continuing resolution’—by Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown. If the government shuts down, staff at the USDA National Organic Program could be furloughed, which would significantly disrupt organic oversight and enforcement activities.

Status of the agriculture bill:

  • The Senate has passed its Agriculture Appropriations bill; the House has advanced its version out of committee.

  • Both the Senate and House bills currently keep the two key organic programs level funded: National Organic Program (NOP) funding at $22.8M and Organic Transitions research (ORG) funding at $7.5M. While funding levels for some organic programs are set through Farm Bill legislation, these two programs are funded through the annual appropriations process.

  • Expect talk of a short-term Continuing Resolution that could push final decisions into the fall.

2) Organic Certification Cost Share: When Will Funds Flow?

Congress provided $8 million per year (2025–2031) for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) through the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Act that was signed into law on July 4. This program reimburses organic operations (farms and processors) for part of their certification costs. Here’s the near-term picture:

  • Timing: Because USDA must still complete a final rule and a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), FY2025 funds likely won’t go out until after the new fiscal year starts on October 1. USDA expects two $8M distributions in FY2026 (one for 2025 certification costs and one for 2026 costs).

  • Reimbursement rate: USDA hasn’t confirmed yet whether the 2025 funding will cover the full statutory amount of up to $750 (per scope).

  • State partners: In addition to the USDA Farm Service Agency, about 30 state departments of agriculture typically administer OCCSP; USDA expects continued state participation.

Cost share is a lifeline for many operations, especially smaller farms. Delays increase uncertainty and unfortunately may result in some operations foregoing organic certification. Stay tuned and sign up for NOC alerts for more info about how this program will work for 2025.

3) Farm Bill: “Skinny” Now, or Full Bill Later?

The farm bill extension passed by Congress in December 2024 is set to lapse on September 30. While some farm programs were included in the budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4, many critical organic provisions NOC has requested were left out and will need to be addressed in a separate Farm Bill package. House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson has floated the idea of a “skinny” Farm Bill this fall, but the timing and Congress’s ability to move this legislation forward remains very uncertain.

NOC is continuing to communicate with House and Senate Agriculture Committee members about our priorities, including:

  • A stronger Certification Cost Share Program - we are asking for higher reimbursement rates and an increase in funding to fully cover eligible operations.

  • Better organic dairy data to inform policy and markets.

  • Updated authorization levels for NOP to match today’s enforcement workload.

  • Authority for the USDA National Organic Program to fund technical assistance delivered by trusted NGOs.

  • Opportunities to build markets and infrastructure to increase domestic production of organic.

  • Equity in conservation programs, including continued progress on EQIP fairness.

Our Recent USDA Reorganization Comments

NOC also submitted formal comments on USDA’s reorganization plans. We urged US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins not to weaken organic enforcement in any reorganization—especially by dispersing NOP staff or reducing D.C. coordination that helps stop fraudulent imports. You can read our full comments here.

Stay Engaged

  • Sign up for alerts: We’ll let you know when calls or letters will have the biggest impact.

  • Spread the word: Share this post with organic farmers, businesses, and consumers who want to help protect the organic seal.

  • Have intel on the cost share program in your state? Send it our way so we can keep the network informed.

Keeping organic strong takes all of us—thanks for being part of the effort.

Abby Youngblood