When members of Congress extended the old Farm Bill on January 1, 2013, they left out dozens of critical organic and sustainable agriculture programs. This means programs that advance organic agriculture through research (OREI), data collection, and cost-share programs (among others) are currently unfunded this year.
On Monday the Senate will take up a bill to fund government programs through the rest of 2013. Make sure your senators know that organic agriculture programs are important to you and that their funding must be restored.
Below are some of the programs currently left unfunded. Be sure to include specific programs when you call your senators’ offices. Find their contact information here.
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
Value-Added Producer Grant Program
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Rural Energy for America Program
Organic Agriculture Research & Extension Initiative
National Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Organic Production & Market Data Initiatives
Farmers Market Promotion Program
Outreach & Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers
Conservation Reserve – Transition Incentive Program
Visit the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition for more background and updates.
