Organic Farmers Association introduces new farmer working groups

The Organic Farmers Association (OFA) has launched a series of new farmer working groups designed to give growers a direct role in shaping policies and programs that affect their farms.

“These working groups give farmers a voice on the issues that matter most to their operations,” OFA said in a release. The groups are open to all farmers — certified, transitioning or simply organic-curious — and no OFA membership is required.

Each group meets monthly via Zoom to discuss challenges, identify solutions and share experiences. Available workgroups include:

• Crop Insurance Workgroup — Works to make crop insurance more accessible and functional for organic and transitioning farmers.
• USDA Programs Workgroup — Addresses opportunities and challenges with USDA programs such as National Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency, helping ensure they meet the needs of organic producers.
• Grain Grower Workgroup — Tackles issues specific to organic grain farmers, including concerns about fraudulent imports and market stability.
• Mixed Vegetable Grower Workgroup — Supports vegetable farmers producing diverse crops, addressing challenges such as market access, pricing and distribution for small and mid-sized diversified farms.
• Public Procurement Workgroup — Works to expand institutional demand for organic food, including in schools, hospitals and other public institutions, helping create stable markets for farmers.
• NOSB Workgroup — Convenes ahead of National Organic Standards Board meetings to prepare farmer-led comments and ensure growers’ perspectives are represented in regulatory decisions.

OFA emphasizes that these working groups are a way to “identify problems, brainstorm solutions and amplify the voices of OFA farmer members.” Interested farmers can sign up via the interest form on OFA’s website to participate in one or more groups.

By creating these targeted working groups, OFA aims to strengthen farmer-led advocacy and ensure that policy, market and regulatory decisions reflect the real needs of organic producers across the country.