Farmers Meet Leaders to Seek Organic Agriculture Protections
Organic dairy farmers will meet with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., on July 22, 2025, advocating for policy protections critical to their industry.
The Organic Farmers Association (OFA) will lead this effort, hosting multiple meetings with Congress members and USDA officials to discuss key issues like organic dairy data collection and necessary legislative action.
OFA has worked for years on policies such as the O DAIRY Act (2023) and the Organic Dairy Data Collection Act (2024). Though these were milestones, the uncertainty surrounding the Farm Bill means continued advocacy is essential. Farmers aim to ensure supportive language is included in any future legislation.
Organic dairy farms have faced significant challenges due to market consolidation, unstable pricing, and rising costs of production. The impact has been severe in dairy states like Vermont, where over 35% of organic dairy farms have shut down since 2016.
“Organic farmers are uniquely positioned to inform national policymakers about the real challenges they face on their farms and to help shape effective, grounded solutions for expanding domestic organic agriculture,” said Lily Hawkins, OFA Policy Director.
Beyond data collection, farmers will stress the importance of the Farm Bill in providing necessary support for organic producers. They argue that Farm Bill funding is crucial for ensuring food security, promoting rural development, and maintaining a competitive edge for American farmers in domestic markets.
To support these efforts, individuals can visit the OFA website and get involved at organicfarmersassociation.org/take-action. Farmers believe direct advocacy helps shape meaningful policies for the future of organic agriculture in the United States.