At OFRF, we proceed to work intently with coalition companions to stay conscious of the ever-evolving panorama of agriculture coverage on the federal stage. For this March’s Coverage Nook, I wished to share all the work we’ve been as much as this yr and what we’re trying ahead to.
Earlier this month, OFRF submitted feedback on the Pure Useful resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Conservation Observe Requirements (CPS) and the Agricultural Advertising and marketing Service’s Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative (SCCI). These are important alternatives to spotlight the conservation and financial advantages associated to natural administration. You may check out our feedback on our advocacy web page. Please attain out if in case you have any questions!
Together with this advocacy associated to the manager department, we’ve continued to be engaged within the legislative course of associated to our priorities. The Farm Invoice, the eternal gobstopper of a coverage matter, continues to lurch from hopeful timelines within the spring to calls to prolong the 2018 insurance policies one other yr. We are going to proceed to interact on this significant piece of laws because it is likely one of the most important policy-drivers in the US meals system. That’s why we have been in DC final month with our companions on the Nationwide Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. We talked with Representatives and Senators in regards to the significance of natural agriculture analysis, persevering with to construct momentum for the Strengthening Natural Agriculture Analysis (SOAR) and the Natural Science Analysis Funding (OSRI) Acts.
Just like the agriculturalists up within the northern a part of the nation, now can also be the time we’re planting seeds for FY25 appropriations, at the same time as we quickly deliver a near the FY24 Agriculture Appropriations course of. We’ve been sending detailed requests to legislators’ places of work in regards to the impression of natural agriculture analysis on their districts and states. We’ve additionally been busy drafting written testimony that will probably be submitted to each chambers’ agriculture committees, ensuring that the case for expanded natural analysis is placed on file. Lastly and most significantly, we’re scheduling conferences with appropriators to make sure they perceive the significance of natural agriculture to their states and the nation. As soon as these paperwork are submitted, we are going to share them with you all!
However, trying ahead to the remainder of the yr, we’re excited in regards to the alternatives forward of us. Arising later this month is the Nationwide Natural Coalition’s fly-in, a crucially vital venue for the natural motion to make use of our voice to boost consciousness in regards to the payments and applications vital to it. Later in Might, we will probably be on the Natural Commerce Affiliation’s annual Natural Week, the place we’ll be sharing updates on the state of natural analysis with natural trade representatives and taking part in congressional conferences to deliver this info to legislators.
One thing we’re very enthusiastic about, although, is the upcoming August recess and the power to not simply inform legislators in regards to the significance and impression of analysis initiatives however present them. In case your establishment or farm is occupied with organizing an in-district assembly or discipline day in August/October, tell us so we will work with you to speak that chance to legislators throughout recess! We’re additionally occupied with listening to in regards to the logistical and administrative burdens of operating a profitable discipline day. Please attain out to me at gordon@ofrf.org with insights!
Eat nicely,
Gordon
