Ongoing USDA Funding Freeze Creates Uncertainty for Organic Farmers and Programs

The continued freeze on federal funding is having widespread consequences for farmers and agricultural organizations—including those in the organic sector—despite multiple court orders directing USDA to restart funding. While a government-wide memo implementing a broad funding freeze was rescinded, and two separate court orders have mandated the release of funds, key USDA programs remain stalled.

Impacts on the Organic Community

Uncertainty surrounding USDA funding has left organic farmers and businesses in limbo, particularly for programs essential to organic transition, market development, and research, including:

  • Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP): Supports farmers transitioning to organic through mentorship, technical assistance, and market access.

  • Organic Market Development Grants Program: Aims to strengthen organic supply chains and expand market opportunities for organic producers.

  • Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI): USDA’s flagship organic research program, which funds studies to improve organic farming methods, soil health, and resilience to extreme weather.

The freeze is not just creating uncertainty—it is directly harming farmers, businesses, and communities by:

  • Delaying conservation funding from existing NRCS contracts and grants to organic businesses, leaving farmers unable to implement or complete critical environmental stewardship and market development projects while facing potential debt burdens.

  • Cutting off technical assistance that farmers rely on for market access, transitioning to organic, and implementing conservation practices.

  • Forcing layoffs and hiring freezes at agricultural organizations, increasing economic instability.

Agriculture Secretary Announces a Partial Funding Release

On February 20, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the release of $20 million in conservation funding while the administration continues its review of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds. However, this amount is just a fraction of the total funding USDA has promised to farmers.

Mike Lavender, Policy Director of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, criticized the delay, stating:

“While USDA fires its staff and deliberates whether or not to honor its own legal contracts, tens of thousands of farmers are being left in limbo. The ‘first tranche’ released this week represents roughly 1% of the IRA funding USDA guaranteed farmers through signed contracts… countless farmers are waking up today still uncertain of how they’ll make ends meet or whether USDA will honor its word.”

Urgent Action Needed

NOC has issued an action alert (below).

We urge USDA to immediately release all frozen funds, fully restore conservation program enrollment, and fulfill its legal obligations to farmers and organizations. Every day that funding remains stalled, organic farmers and businesses face increased financial strain, operational uncertainty, and lost opportunities.

Action Alert

We encourage you to contact your Members of Congress. Let them know how your organization and community are being affected. See the sample script below for guidance.

If you are not sure who to contact, reach out to us directly so we can give you the names, phone numbers, and emails of the relevant staffers for your Members of Congress.

Sample Script for Contacting Your Members of Congress

**We encourage you to call your Members of Congress with the message below, but email messages are helpful too. We recommend that you personalize this message to convey ways that your local community/farm/organization is directly impacted. You can connect directly with your Congressional offices by calling the Capitol Switchboard and then ask to be transferred to your member of Congress: (202) 224-3121

Subject: funding cuts threaten farmers and our community

Dear [Senator/Representative Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I live in [City/Town] in your district. I am deeply concerned about the Trump administration’s pause in federal funding for USDA programs. These include conservation initiatives, support for organic agriculture, and financial assistance for farmers working to improve soil health and protect natural resources.

Rescinding funding for existing grants, loans, and cooperative agreements would severely harm farmers and the organizations that support them, directly impacting our local community.

What steps are you taking to protect farmers and ensure continued support for these critical USDA programs?

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization]

 

NOC Members Respond

Below are some examples of how some National Organic Coalition members and Network Affiliates are responding to the funding freeze:

 

If you have information or resources that may help other organizations, or if you need assistance navigating these challenges, please reach out to us. NOC is here to support the organic community and to facilitate information exchange among coalition members.

Abby Youngblood