Protect Organic Agriculture in the Farm Bill!

BY Friends of the Earth | May 24, 2018

More than 140 organizations sent a letter to Chairman Pat Roberts, ranking member Debbie Stabenow and the Senate Agriculture Committee in support of organic agriculture. The groups call on the lawmakers to oppose changes in the farm bill that would undermine the National Organic Standards Board. The organizations also called for full funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program — which was slated to be phased out under the rejected House farm bill, H.R. 2 (115). Read the attached letter for complete details and a list of the supporting organizations.

Your support is still needed. Please consider writing a letter to your Senator, especially if you are in a state with a representative on the Agricultural Committee. In addition, op-eds can be very effective in generating support among consumers and fellow citizens. The following information, and the attached "Tips and Talking Points" can help you craft a strong message.

Thank you for your support of organic agriculture!

Targets

Publishing in local and regional papers is important for farmers and consumers in all states right now, but especially for those with Senators on the Agriculture Committee. Please mention in your letter or op-ed if your Senator is on the committee:

• Senate Ag Committee Democrats: Debbie Stabenow (MI), Patrick Leahy (VT), Sherrod Brown (OH), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Michael Bennet (CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Joe Donnelly (IN), Heidi Heitkamp (ND), Bob Casey Jr. (PA), Tina Smith (D-MN).
• Senate Ag Committee Republicans: Pat Roberts (KS), Chairman, Mitch McConnell (KY), John Boozman (AR), John Hoeven (ND), Joni Ernst (IA), Chuck Grassley (IA), John Thune (SD), Steve Daines (MT), David Perdue (GA), Deb Fisher (NE), Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS)