Across the country, organic farmers and the organizations that support them are facing an unprecedented crisis. The USDA has frozen critical funding, halting payments on legally binding contracts and grants. This reckless decision is creating financial turmoil, stalling essential projects, and threatening the livelihoods of farmers, small businesses, and rural communities.
But the damage doesn’t stop there. The very foundation of organic integrity—the USDA National Organic Program (NOP)—is now at risk. With key staffing positions on the chopping block due to the funding freeze, enforcement efforts will weaken, fraud will rise, and American organic farms will be left vulnerable to unfair foreign competition and market instability.
We must act now to protect organic farmers, businesses, and the future of organic agriculture. The National Organic Coalition warns that without immediate action, the stability and trust of the entire organic industry could be compromised. This includes:
Weaker Organic Enforcement
Cuts to NOP staff mean weaker oversight, creating an open door for fraudulent imports that undermine the integrity of organic certification. Without strong enforcement, the value of the organic label is compromised, eroding trust across the entire supply chain.
Economic Harm to Farmers & Businesses
The NOP operates on a modest $23 million annually yet oversees a $70 billion industry. Cutting staff and resources puts thousands of farms and businesses at risk—many of whom have built their livelihoods on the promise that organic standards are enforced fairly and consistently.
Market Confidence at Risk
Organic farmers invest heavily to meet USDA standards, ensuring their practices align with rigorous guidelines. Without robust enforcement, bad actors can cheat the system, driving down prices, undercutting ethical producers, and eroding consumer trust in the organic label.
Critical Functions at Stake
NOP staff perform essential tasks that safeguard organic integrity. They verify organic imports, oversee certification agencies, and investigate fraud all of which ensure that “organic” truly means organic. Without adequate staffing, these vital processes would be weakened, exposing the organic sector to widespread vulnerabilities.
Take Action!
Here are three ways you can make a difference:
- Send an email to your Member of Congress.
- Organize a Phone Banking Campaign using the National Organic Coalition’s script .
- Donate to the National Organic Coalition’s organic farmer fund to support their Congressional Delegation. Every dollar is matched by Nature’s Path Organic Foods, doubling your impact!