This week, the Organic Trade Association (OTA), in collaboration with its members and allied organic-focused groups, submitted two letters to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting an update on the status of funds for the Organic Market Development Grants (OMDG) and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), while emphasizing their critical importance.
The first letter, led by Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts and Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Randy Romanski, was a bipartisan statement co-signed by 10 state departments of agriculture: Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Washington, all expressing strong support for these programs.
The second letter, signed by 98 farmers and organizations, represented a broad cross-section of the organic sector. Signatories included all eight TOPP regional leads, 27 individual farmers, and 63 farmer organizations, universities, and businesses advocating for continued support and clarity regarding these USDA programs.
Both letters highlight the urgent need to disburse and sustain funding for OMDG and TOPP, which are essential for strengthening the domestic organic supply chain. These programs reduce dependence on imports by supporting American farmers and businesses through mentorship, technical assistance, market access, and infrastructure development. Since 2022, TOPP has connected thousands of participants with critical transition resources, while OMDG has funded 107 projects across 37 states, most of which benefit small and rural businesses. Many awardees have already begun their work and are now seeking clarity on reimbursements and next steps.
OTA collaborated with both members and non-members to garner support. While not all states we approached could sign on due to timing or their federal funding priorities, we deeply appreciate the collaboration across the organic community in delivering this strong, united appeal.
In addition to those who signed the letter directly, we extend our gratitude to our partners in this effort:
Organic Valley (Adam Warthesen); CCOF (Kelly Damewood, Rebekah Weber, Jessy Beckett Parr); OTCO (Chris Schreiner); NOFA-VT (Maddie Kempner, Helen Rortvedt); NOC (Abby Youngblood, Steve Ela); Rodale Institute (Jeff Tkach, Chloe Nouvelle); Texas A&M (Bob Whitney); FOG (Ram Balasubramanian); MOSA (Allison Walent); Nate Powell-Palm; ASU (Kathleen Merrigan, Courtney Buzzard); OFA (Kate Mendenhall); PA Flax (Heidi); Catspring Yaupon Tea (Abianne Falla); PURIS (Nicole Atchison); CORA/Zirkle Fruit (Harold Austin); South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (Dr. Angela K. Jackson-Pulse); Prairie Sun Organic (Glenn Pulse); NOFA-NY (Katie Baildon); PCO (Joe Dickson); SOS (Johanna Phillips); Oregon Organic Coalition (Amy Wong); The Organic Center (Amber Sciligo); Organic Association of Kentucky (Brooke Gentile); Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (Khara Strum); Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (Roland McReynolds).