This yr’s election outcomes have introduced with them a big shift within the political panorama in Washington, which is able to undoubtedly affect meals and agriculture coverage on the federal stage. Whereas each presidential election brings change, the dynamics of this yr’s tumultuous election are notably important. With a Trump presidency and a stable, multi-seat Republican majority within the Senate, the USDA will probably be formed and directed in step with the brand new administration’s imaginative and prescient. The Home stays an open query, however present projections recommend the Republican majority will no less than be maintained, if not strengthened.
What does this imply for the Natural Farming Analysis Basis and natural agriculture at massive? We’re stepping right into a interval of uncertainty, with many unanswered questions on Congressional priorities and the approaching USDA management and their related agenda. For context, throughout Trump’s earlier presidency, the USDA’s cupboard place was final to be nominated, January 18th, 2017, suggesting that this agricultural management and course might not come rapidly. We should stay nimble and on our toes till we perceive the priorities this new administration plans to behave on.
A Doubtlessly Hostile Funding Surroundings
Over the subsequent two years no less than, we anticipate dealing with a really difficult monetary local weather in Congress. Funds allocations for agricultural analysis, technical help, and conservation funding could also be focused as a possibility for finances cuts. The push for austerity measures might symbolize important hurdles for securing the sources natural farmers and researchers want. However, even amongst these challenges there are potential alternatives.
One issue price noting is the affect of Robert Kennedy Jr. on Trump’s marketing campaign. RFK Jr. has voiced help for sure agricultural values that align with natural and regenerative natural manufacturing. It stays unclear how a lot sway he’ll maintain in shaping agricultural coverage, as Trump has made many unkept guarantees prior to now. However, this alignment opens up the chance for sturdy bipartisan help for natural agriculture analysis. Current conferences OFRF employees have had with conservative members of Congress have revealed some thrilling curiosity in natural agriculture. Whereas we can not depend on this help alone, it does symbolize a possibility for increasing natural agriculture.
Our Path Ahead: Advocating for Natural Farmers
Regardless of the uncertainty and potential funding challenges, our mission stays the identical:
“Natural Farming Analysis Basis works to foster the development and widespread adoption of natural farming techniques. OFRF cultivates natural analysis, schooling, and federal insurance policies that convey extra farmers and acreage into natural manufacturing.“
As outlined in our new strategic plan, our coverage work will proceed to deal with advocating for natural farmers, and guaranteeing that the analysis applications and helps they rely on usually are not solely preserved, however expanded. Our strategic plan emphasizes a number of key areas:
- Securing Funding for Natural Analysis: We are going to proceed to make the case for strong investments in natural agriculture analysis. The information is obvious: natural practices profit not solely licensed natural farmers but additionally typical farmers who undertake sustainable methods, bettering soil well being, lowering chemical dependency, and growing resilience to local weather change.
- Selling Natural as Local weather-Sensible Agriculture: We are going to work to make sure that natural techniques are acknowledged as important instruments for local weather mitigation and adaptation. Natural practices are confirmed to reinforce carbon sequestration and preserve water, and we’ll spotlight these advantages in discussions with policymakers.
- Constructing a Lasting Bipartisan Group: We acknowledge that one of the simplest ways to advance our priorities is thru collaboration. Our technique will embody constructing and leveraging relationships throughout the aisle, making natural agriculture a shiny spot in bipartisan conversations.
The potential for bipartisan help hinges on our skill to speak the common advantages of natural analysis. Analysis investments not solely help natural certification requirements but additionally generate finest practices that typical operations can use to cut back inputs and construct more healthy ecosystems. This broad enchantment makes natural agriculture a uncommon unifier in a divisive political setting.
As we navigate this altering panorama, we name on our neighborhood to remain engaged. We will likely be growing a wide range of methods you may get concerned should you’re . The affect of grassroots advocacy can’t be underestimated, particularly after we emphasize how natural practices contribute to more healthy soils, cleaner water, and extra resilient meals techniques for everybody. Maintain an eye fixed out for these instruments and sources early subsequent yr!
Our Dedication
Whatever the make-up of Congress or the Government Department, our dedication to natural farmers and sustainable agriculture won’t waver. We are going to proceed to struggle for analysis applications and coverage helps that empower farmers to undertake practices which are good for the planet and their backside line. The winds of change in Washington generally shrouds our path ahead, however our mission to foster the development and widespread adoption of natural farming techniques stays unshakeable.
Keep tuned, keep engaged, and know that we’re right here, as at all times, working tirelessly to make sure that natural agriculture has a seat on the desk and a voice within the dialog.
Eat effectively and breathe deeply,
Gordon
