Protecting Organic Programs from Federal Funding Threats
BY National Organic Coalition | Feb 04, 2025
The organic community faces significant challenges following recent federal actions. Last week, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced—then quickly withdrew—a pause on all federal agency grants and loans. This move triggered legal challenges, and within a day, the National Council of Nonprofits, represented by Democracy Forward, secured a temporary halt from U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, citing potential "irreparable harm." In a new development, yesterday evening, Judge AliKhan issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration from 'implementing, giving effect to, or reinstating under a different name the directives" contained in the original OMB memo.
While the immediate freeze is halted for now, broader Executive Orders remain in effect. The National Organic Coalition (NOC) anticipates ongoing scrutiny of both new and existing grants, loans, and cooperative agreements in the weeks and months ahead.
What’s at Stake
Federal funding is critical to organic organizations, farmers, and to our local communities. Many key programs at USDA are at risk and organic programs, such as the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), Organic Market Development Grants, and Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) could be impacted.
Disruptions to these programs could lead to the loss of essential staff and services for organic organizations and harm farmers working to improve soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Farmers of color and historically underserved communities will be hit hardest, as many of the targeted programs are designed to address systemic barriers and promote equity in agriculture.
This funding freeze extends beyond the organic and agricultural sector, threatening essential public services across communities.
What You Can Do Right Now
NOC is actively engaging with coalition members, policymakers, and Congressional offices to track rapid policy changes, monitor the impact of these executive actions at USDA, and develop strategies to protect organic programs. We will continue to share updates as we learn more. In the meantime, we encourage you to take the following steps:
1. Contact Your Members of Congress
Let them know how your organization and community are being impacted. See the sample script below for guidance. If you are not sure who to contact, reach out to us directly so we can give you the names and emails of the relevant staffers for your Members of Congress.
2. Seek Legal Guidance
If your federal grants or cooperative agreements have been affected, consider contacting Lawyers for Good Government for legal advice and support. Let us know if you receive legal support that is helpful so we can share those resources with others in our community.
3. Share Resources and Stay Connected
If you have information or resources that may help other coalition/organic community members, or if you need assistance navigating these challenges, please reach out to us. NOC is here to support you. It may take some time before we have certainty about how these recent actions will impact organic and other USDA programs.
We are committed to keeping you updated about any developments that may affect organic programs. Thank you for the incredible work you are leading and for your participation in advocacy to protect the future of organic agriculture.
From the National Organic Coalition Team,
Abby Youngblood, Alice Runde, Steve Etka, & Steve Ela
Sample Script for Contacting Your Members of Congress
Subject: funding cuts threaten farmers and our community
Dear [Senator/Representative Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I live in [City/Town] in your district. I am deeply concerned about the recent attempts by the Trump administration to pause federal funding for USDA programs. These include conservation initiatives, support for organic agriculture, and financial assistance for farmers working to improve soil health and protect natural resources.
Rescinding funding for existing grants, loans, and cooperative agreements would severely harm farmers and the organizations that support them, directly impacting our local community.
What steps are you taking to protect farmers and ensure continued support for these critical USDA programs?
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization]