Walking Our Talk: OGC’s Year in Organic Advocacy
Oregon Organic Lobby Day in Salem
For OGC, advocacy is a year-round commitment. From shaping policies that protect organic farmers to elevating industry champions and amplifying the benefits of organic agriculture, we work tirelessly to uphold and strengthen the integrity of the organic food system. Here’s what we championed in 2024.
Pushing for Pro-Organic Policy in Oregon & Washington
2024 kicked off with a fast-moving legislative season in Oregon and Washington. We worked in step with the Oregon Organic Coalition (OOC) and Washington’s Coalition for Organic and Regenerative Agriculture (CORA) to drive meaningful policy changes.
We advocated for funding a dedicated organic policy specialist within the Oregon Department of Agriculture, securing a voice for organic within state leadership. We also fought to protect brassica seed growers from the risks of canola cross-contamination and supported legislation preserving farmland for agriculture.
We backed the development of a Washington State Organic Action Plan, an ambitious effort to create opportunities for transitioning farmers, boost market access and enhance sustainability. We also supported an organic inspection credit to help farmers cover certification costs and pushed for $5 million in funding to improve soil health and carbon sequestration on organic farms in Washington.
Standing Up for Science
OGC’s Mission Fund underwrote a major report by The Organic Center, synthesizing 30 years of scientific studies that reinforce why organic growing practices matter. The findings made the benefits of organic agriculture clear:
Higher nutritional value – organic produce is packed with more antioxidants, vitamins and essential nutrients.
Healthier for people and farmworkers – lower pesticide residues mean safer food and a safer working environment.
Better for the planet – organic farming boosts biodiversity, improves soil and water health and cuts greenhouse gas emissions.
Strengthening rural economies – the organic premium helps sustain family farms and keeps organic viable for future generations.
Head to OGC’s blog, The Dirt for more takeaways and a link to the research report.
Rallying in the Rose City for Organic
Portland hosted the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Fall Meeting, bringing together organic leaders from across the country to weigh in on policies that shape the future of organic agriculture. It was the first time the NOSB had met in Oregon since 2013, and the energy was electric.
“This meeting is where change happens,” said Mike Dill, OGC’s director of advocacy and sustainability. “Every voice matters in shaping the future of organic.”
OGC and our partners were front and center, from Inder Singh of Riverland Family Farms speaking on a farmer panel to advocacy leaders calling for stronger demand for organic seed. Former USDA leaders Dr. Jenny Tucker and Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt both urged the industry to rethink certification in ways that make it sound, sensible and equitable.
The meeting culminated with the Oregon Organic Coalition’s Awards for Excellence, recognizing several of the state’s organic farmers and allies, and the ongoing efforts to expand organic at the state level. The event brought together legislators, regulators, advocates, nonprofits, farmers and manufacturers from the organic supply chain to celebrate organic food and farming. When we stand together, we can create real, lasting change.
Looking Ahead
The challenges facing organic are real—but so is our resolve. OGC will keep fighting for the policies, people and practices that protect the integrity of organic and ensure its future.