Dear OTA Members,
With the release of the Make Our Children Healthy Again (MAHA) Report yesterday, we want to share the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) perspective. The report draws a direct line between public health and the systems that shape how we grow, process, and regulate food in the U.S.
As we noted in our April 2 editorial, we are encouraged to see the MAHA Commission affirm what the organic community has long known: health begins on the farm.
The report underscores how agriculture must be part of the solution. What we know is that organic farmers are already leading the way. Organic farmers grow food and fiber without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, antibiotics, or growth hormones, while protecting soil, water, and biodiversity. Organic food companies further that mission, offering families food made without artificial colors, flavors, or synthetic additives such as titanium dioxide, propylparaben, and butylated hydroxytoluene.
However, the report also reveals a critical challenge. In the section “Government Programs Compounding the Issue,” it notes that in the most recent farm bill, support for organic and specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts represented just 0.1% of total funding. This imbalance makes it difficult for organic producers to realize the full potential of organic.
OTA is committed to advancing the following priorities:
- Increased federal investment in organic market development to improve access to organic food for families and schools.
- Policies that drive farmers’ success in organic and expand their opportunities to cultivate health for all of us.
- Recognition of organic as a voluntary, scalable solution to today’s societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
Unfortunately, the report’s recommendations do not yet address the urgent need for greater investment in organic. As the Commission advances its work, we will continue to advocate for solutions that unlock organic’s potential.
Thank you for being part of organic as we continue to put people, planet, and future generations first. We are stronger together.
Together, we grow organic.
Regards,
Matt and Tom
