Schiff Highlights Federal Policy Pressures on Organic and Specialty Crop Farmers

At a California agriculture policy forum, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff outlined key federal policy challenges affecting organic and specialty crop producers, emphasizing the need for greater alignment between national policy and California’s diverse agricultural sector. Speaking at the EcoFarm Conference, Schiff noted that federal agriculture programs have historically favored large commodity producers, often leaving specialty crop and organic farmers underrepresented.

Schiff identified several pressing concerns, including trade instability, labor shortages linked to immigration enforcement, and federal staffing cuts affecting U.S. Department of Agriculture services. He stated that tariffs and inconsistent trade policies are creating uncertainty for farmers who rely on export markets, while immigration enforcement actions are disrupting farm labor availability and increasing operational risks.

He also pointed to reductions in nutrition assistance programs and local food purchasing initiatives as factors that may indirectly impact farmers by weakening demand channels. In response, Schiff highlighted legislative efforts to expand market opportunities, strengthen organic research coordination, and improve access to federal resources for small and mid-sized farms.

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Schiff emphasized his focus on ensuring that federal policy reflects the needs of specialty crop producers, including those in organic and diversified systems. He also underscored the importance of advancing a new farm bill that supports conservation, research, and equitable access to funding.

Source: California Agriculture Policy Forum, Senator Adam Schiff, EcoFarm Conference, San Juan Bautista, CA, January 2026.

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