Supporting Organic and Regenerative Agriculture

Organic agriculture provides a multitude of benefits to farmers, farm workers, and communities. As one of the oldest and largest organic certification agencies in the United States, OEFFA provides information about organic agriculture to farmers and the public and advances policies to maintain and improve the integrity of organic production and handling systems. We work with the National Organic Coalition and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and participate in the National Organic Standards Board process to represent the needs of organic farmers and protect the trust consumers have in the organic label.

Our priorities include:

• Increased funding for organic research and Extension
• State support for organic farmers
• A strong and independent National Organic Standards Board to advise the National Organic Program
• Improvements to the National Organic Program that maintain and increase the integrity and value of organic agriculture

Organic is Non-GMO and Much More

Certified organic food is produced without genetic engineering (GE), but the label goes above and beyond the absence of GE seed. Organic is the most well-regulated ecological label available on the market. It is backed by comprehensive and rigorous national standards that ensure that food is grown in a sustainable manner, protecting our natural resources and conserving biodiversity.

Upholding the Integrity of Organic

Organic food is grown in a way that fosters ecological balance in nature. Maintaining the integrity of the organic label involves ongoing work. The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was created in the law that established the National Organic Program (NOP) to provide important oversight to the program.

The NOSB is a group of 15 very dedicated volunteers that make recommendations on the production, handling, and processing of organic products. The NOSB also has special responsibilities related to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

The process is farm from perfect, but active engagement from organic farmers and food advocates will help ensure that the components of the organic standards that need to be improved will be and that all of us can enjoy the benefits of ecological farming systems.

The NOSB accepts comments from the public twice each year and your voice is important to maintain a strong organic program. OEFFA helps farmers attend NOSB meetings and share their views on issues important to organic production. Farmers and the public can also provide comments directly during webinars and in writing. OEFFA also welcomes comments from our members, which we can share with the NOSB. If you are interested in future NOSB meeting agendas, contact us.