By Jamie Martin
On July 22, 2025, organic dairy farmers will travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for stronger support of organic farming policies.
Organized by the Organic Farmers Association (OFA), the event will include a dozen meetings with lawmakers and USDA representatives. The focus will be on data collection for organic dairy and the inclusion of supportive language in upcoming legislation.
This initiative follows years of advocacy for organic dairy policies, with past successes like the O DAIRY Act (2023) and the Organic Dairy Data Collection Act (2024).
Despite these advances, the uncertain future of the Farm Bill demands continued farmer engagement to protect their industry.
Family-owned organic dairy farms have long contributed to rural communities and environmental sustainability. However, market challenges, including low pay-prices, high energy and feed costs, and a shrinking number of buyers, have created severe financial strains. States like Vermont have seen over 35% of their organic dairy farms disappear since 2016.
Policy Director Lily Hawkins highlighted the importance of farmer voices, saying, “Organic farmers are uniquely positioned to inform national policymakers about the real challenges they face on their farms and to help shape effective, grounded solutions for expanding domestic organic agriculture.”
In addition to organic dairy protections, farmers will advocate for a new Farm Bill that secures essential funding for organic agriculture, supports innovation, and strengthens national food security. OFA emphasizes the need for policy that fosters rural development and helps American farmers compete in the domestic market.
Supporters can learn more and take action by visiting the OFA website at organicfarmersassociation.org/take-action.
Categories: National