Washington Developments Affecting Organic Agriculture

Leaders from the Organic Trade Association, National Organic Coalition, and Organic Farmers Association provided a comprehensive federal policy update, discussing funding disruptions, regulatory uncertainty, and ongoing implementation challenges within the National Organic Program.

Tom Chapman of the Organic Trade Association described 2025 as a period of instability, beginning with a federal funding freeze that halted key programs including the Organic Research and Extension Initiative and the Organic Market Development Program. He noted that delayed grant disbursements and the absence of funding announcements have continued into 2026, limiting support for producers and transition efforts. Chapman also pointed to significant staffing losses at USDA, estimating that roughly one third of staff had departed, contributing to slower decision making and operational strain.

Abby Youngblood of the National Organic Coalition emphasized the role of the National Organic Standards Board in maintaining organic integrity, citing recent progress on the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule. She noted increased import oversight, including certification requirements and collaboration with Customs and Border Protection, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in addressing fraud and international equivalency gaps. Youngblood also highlighted board actions rejecting synthetic compostable materials in organic systems due to environmental and human health concerns.

Streamlining certification and maintaining core regulatory functions under reduced staffing were cited as immediate priorities.

Source: National Organic Update, Tom Chapman, Organic Trade Association; Abby Youngblood, National Organic Coalition; Lillian Hawkins, Organic Farmers Association, EcoFarm Conference, San Juan Bautista, CA, January 2026.

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