​NOP shuttered due to government shutdown

BY OTA | Jan 04, 2019

NOP shuttered due to government shutdown

Before the holiday break, Congress failed to reach an agreement with the President to pass legislation continuing funding for the federal government. This funding lapse affects seven government agencies including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). All USDA activities funded through discretionary appropriations--including the National Organic Program (NOP)--are shut down, and will cease to operate until funding legislation is signed into law. For more detailed information, you can view USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service guidance on operations during a lapse in funding. The new Congress will be sworn in on Thursday, January 3. Democrats will control the House of Representatives for the first time since 2010, and they have announced the House will vote on two bills this week, one that funds six agencies including USDA for FY2019 and a separate bill that temporarily funds the Department of Homeland Security at current levels through February 8. However, it is unlikely this legislation will pass the U.S. Senate until a deal is reached with President Trump on funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Negotiations between Congress and the White House ceased during the holiday break, but will resume this week.