Organic Farmers Association

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Organic Farmers Association

OFA is a membership organization committed to a strong national voice for organic producers.

05/22/2026

As part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), we’re helping to launch a new marketing technical assistance project to help farmers promote their operations, connect with customers, and share the story behind their farms. 🚜

👉 We're excited to invite you to our upcoming Farmer Story Lab, a 90-minute hands-on workshop designed to help organic farmers find the words for the work they're already doing in order to better share their farm’s story and the value of organic with eaters and buyers. (We know you’re busy, but we promise to make it worth your time!)

Here's what to expect:
- Articulate why you farm organically, and how to say it in a way that sticks
- Share why buying local and domestic organic matters and how to make that case to the people you sell to
- Learn how to shape your story for the audience in front of you, whether that's a farmers market customer, a retail buyer, or someone you just met

This isn't a lecture. You'll write, share, and practice in real time and you'll leave with actual material you can use.

Workshop 101 Details: The Why Workshop covers storytelling basics and helps farmers articulate their own why. It is the foundation for why domestic organic matters to them, and to our food system.

🚨 The last 101 session is on May 26, 7 - 8:30pm ET

And you must complete the Story Lab 101 workshop before a 102 session (Starting in June).

Register for here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xE2Lj5eKQduzXHzTrIBT2A #/registration

05/21/2026

OFA Members: Don't forget to use your member benefits this year including discounts from businesses that fuel your farms! https://organicfarmersassociation.org/member-benefits-coupon-book

(Psst! If you forgot the password to the member benefit portal, just send us a message here on Facebook, or reach out to [email protected] for help!)

👉 And don't forget your membership also includes:
- A process to participate in and direct national grassroots policy priorities and positions
- Monthly policy updates, action alerts, and education opportunities
- Policy work advocating for certified organic farmers and their customers within Congress and at the USDA
- Organic farmer representation and input at the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meetings
- Eligibility to run for OFA Governing Council or Policy Committee leadership positions

❓ Have membership questions? Contact us at [email protected]

05/20/2026

While the recently passed House Farm Bill missed opportunities to support organic farmers, the Senate can still fight for a Farm Bill that eliminates harmful provisions from the House bill, and includes provisions to support domestic organic production, protect farmers from fraud, and strengthen the organic safety net.

Take action: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-to-support-organic-farmers-with-a-strong-farm-bill-2?source=direct_link&

The problem is urgent: American organic farmers are losing ground to foreign imports while facing fraud, inadequate support programs, and an uneven playing field. Without strong policies in the next Farm Bill, we risk losing the farmers who are leading the way toward a healthier, more sustainable food system. We need a Farm Bill that puts domestic producers first!

You have the power to change this: Take action today and send a message to your Senators and tell them to support American organic farmers:
- When you write to your legislators, you're demanding:
- Protection for honest farmers from organic fraud
- Fair support programs designed for organic operations
- Market access that prioritizes American producers over foreign imports
- A safety net that helps organic farmers weather uncertainty
- Preservation of State's rights to protect public health and animal welfare

Your letter takes 5 minutes. Its impact could last generations.

👉 https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-to-support-organic-farmers-with-a-strong-farm-bill-2?source=direct_link&

05/18/2026

OFA was on the ground in Oklahoma for an organic farm tour! 🌱
The group discussed soil fertility in organic systems, how to design a 2-person full-time farm, CSA models, and stewardship of the land and watershed. 👩‍🌾

A huge thank you to the farmer hosts Emily Oakley and Mike Appel for sharing Three Springs Farm with local farmers and us!

05/16/2026

📰 OFA Farmer in the News!
Recently OFA Policy Committee member Harold Wilken (Janie's Farm Organics) was featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune telling the story of his organic farm and the personal impact of farming with chemicals.

Read the article here: https://digitaledition.chicagotribune.com/shortcode/CHI785/edition/bdefe236-603e-49b2-85b9-0ae8330e7a69?page=b962c22e-befc-4fe2-ab59-d084fcea85c5&

Pro-Tip: Use the download button in the reader to see the full article.

05/15/2026

OFA’s value lies in centering the lived experiences of the organic farmers. In addition to being farmers and OFA Governing Council members, Sara Tashker and Jenn Halpin have identities that give them a unique perspective when speaking with policy makers in D.C.

Read OFA Communications Intern Kendal Thomas' story on how there's more than one way to build relationships with policy makers.

📖 Read the full story in our April issue of The Organic Voice magazine on page 22: https://organicfarmersassociation.org/organic-voice

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If you'd like to receive OFA's quarterly magazine with news and stories for and by organic farmers and supporters, subscribe to our mailing list: https://organicfarmersassociation.org/subscribe/

(We'll only email you about important action alerts, ways you can support organic, and when The Organic Voice is released!)

05/14/2026

Has your OFA farmer or supporter membership lapsed? 🤔
Don't worry, you can renew your membership right now for only $25! Here's what your membership makes possible and why we need you to rejoin:

👉 Educating the people who make the decisions.
Members of Congress often don't know organic from conventional, let alone why the farm bill matters to your bottom line. OFA is there to fill that gap, explaining the real challenges organic farmers face and why policy support is essential.

👉 Keeping you informed when it matters most.
Policy changes happen fast. Your membership keeps you connected to what's actually happening in D.C. and how it affects your farm.

👉 Driving farmer-led solutions.
OFA hosts farmer workgroups, brings farmers to Capitol Hill to meet their policymakers, and operates a farmer helpline so farmers can get real answers to real problems.

👩‍🌾 Your membership dues go directly toward this work and you can rejoin for as little as $25, though you can pick an amount that works best for you. Get started: https://organicfarmersassociation.org/member-benefits

05/13/2026

As part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), we’re helping to launch a new marketing technical assistance project to help farmers promote their operations, connect with customers, and share the story behind their farms. 🚜

Through this program, we want to equip you with tools and support to better tell your farm’s story, connect with customers, and share the value of your operation through the right channels and audiences. Whether you’re already certified organic or in transition, this technical assistance is designed to help your business stand out, build trust with buyers and consumers, and create materials you can continue using long after the program ends.

👉 We're excited to invite you to our upcoming Farmer Story Lab, a 90-minute hands-on session designed to help organic farmers find the words for the work they're already doing in order to better share their farm’s story and the value of organic with eaters and buyers. (We know you’re busy, but we promise to make it worth your time!)

Here's what to expect:
- Articulate why you farm organically, and how to say it in a way that sticks
- Share why buying local and domestic organic matters and how to make that case to the people you sell to
- Learn how to shape your story for the audience in front of you, whether that's a farmers market customer, a retail buyer, or someone you just met

This isn't a lecture. You'll write, share, and practice in real time and you'll leave with actual material you can use.

Workshop Details:
Workshop 101: The Why Workshop covers storytelling basics and helps farmers articulate their own why. It is the foundation for why domestic organic matters to them, and to our food system.
May 20, 2 - 3:30pm ET
May 21, 10 - 11:30am ET
May 26, 7 - 8:30pm ET

Register for a session here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xE2Lj5eKQduzXHzTrIBT2A #/registration

05/11/2026

Happening today at the pre-NOSB meeting in Omaha:
👩‍🌾 OFA Gov Council member & NOC's NOSB Specialist, Steve Ela, reviews NOSB priority issues & a panel of farmers from the region discuss the farm bill , federal policy & more.

One of the most valuable aspects of the Pre-NOSB meeting is its interactive, discussion-based format. Unlike the NOSB meeting itself, where participants observe Board deliberations, this roundtable setting creates space for farmers, businesses, and advocates to share perspectives, raise concerns, and engage directly on the most pressing issues facing organic today. Additional topics may be added as the agenda is finalized.

Tune in Tuesday-Thursday for the NOSB public meetings: https://www.ams.usda.gov/event/national-organic-standards-board-nosb-meeting-spring-2026

05/08/2026

Join us at Three Springs Farm on May 18 from 1-3pm CT as organic farmers Emily Oakley and Mike Appel highlight their organic farming operation. Learn about soil fertility in organic systems, designing a family farm for 2-person, full-time work, demonstrating the viability of small farming. Organic curious, transitioning, regenerative farmers and eaters welcome!

Learn more & register: https://actionnetwork.org/events/spring-farm-tour-oaks-oklahoma

05/07/2026

The Spring National Organic Standards Board meeting started this week with virtual comments and continues next week in-person in Omaha, NE. This meetings happens twice a year as a way for the public to discuss topics related to organic standards issues and have their voices heard!

Read OFA's full written comments crafted from our annual farmer policy survey results and farmer workgroup discussions. https://organicfarmersassociation.org/comments-testimony

Then tune into the oral comments here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/event/national-organic-standards-board-nosb-meeting-spring-2026

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Telephone

+12026435363

Website

http://www.organicfarmersassociation.org/

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