*MEDIA STATEMENT*
Washington, D.C. — The Organic Trade Association commends Congress for passing the latest continuing resolution bill, which authorizes funding to enable the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue operating. Keeping USDA open and running is vital for our farmers and other OTA business members. The programs that farmers depend on for their operations stop when USDA funding stops. Enforcement stops when funding stops. All businesses need stability and consistency from the federal government. We need Congress to find a long-term budget agreement to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of our government and to turn its focus to the future farm bill.
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About the Organic Trade Association
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing more than 10,000 organic businesses across 50 states. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA's Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA's mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.
