Organic Call-To-Action

As a member of the Organic Trade Association, a group that works to promote organic agriculture in the U.S., I get the skinny on lots of inside info, facts, regulations, rule making... I'm not a policy wonk and sometimes the plowing through page after page of techo-lingo can be a bit much. Since I consider myself an advocate for health and the environment, I receive lots of 'Calls To Action' and many times I do send an email to my Governor or Senator, or I sign the petition. In fact, I contacted my Senator to increase solar panel funding/rebates so that average person can benefit from the free power that the sun provides just this morning.

I don't expect everyone to make that kind of effort because most folks have a household to run, kids to shuttle to school and dinner to put on the table. BUT, today is an exception because I think there is a particular issue that affects us all. Organic agriculture need our help. One might think otherwise because it seems organic is everywhere- and it is; but it is still niche and "Big Agriculture" is kinda piggy and they want all the funds to themselves.

If organic produce is important for your family, please take a moment and answer the Call-To-Action from the Organic Trade Association and put in your two cents. It's easy; just follow the links below to find your elected federal official.

Cheers!

Jessica



October 31, 2011

OTA latest news

Members respond to call to advocate for organic in the upcoming Farm Bill
As of this morning, 5,257 letters and calls have been sent and made to federal officials by OTA members and friends urging them to advocate for organic as they make tough decisions about what to save in the upcoming Farm Bill. Agriculture leadership has said it plans to have the Farm Bill planning completed by tomorrow. OTA thanks its members who have contacted their Congressmen and Senators, and reminds those who haven't that there still is time to do so. In the 2008 Farm Bill, the organic sector received support for critical programs resulting in increased staffing and oversight at the National Organic Program (NOP), data collection on organic agriculture, increased research at land-grant universities on organic farming, and support to reduce the cost of certification for small producers and handlers. These essential programs are now at risk, with everything under scrutiny. For those who have yet to act, OTA urges that you call or e-mail your Congressman and Senator today. See OTA's Farm Bill pages to learn more about its organic Farm Bill priorities. Don't miss this critical opportunity to preserve the well-being of your business and the organic industry.