Three piglets, one for every of the feedback we submitted to the USDA final month.
At OFRF, we all know that robust, clear, and farmer-informed federal companies are important for the success of all U.S. agriculture, however particularly natural agriculture. This month, we acted on that data once we submitted three totally different feedback on USDA actions: one to the USDA on their reorganization plan and two to the Nationwide Institute of Meals and Agriculture (NIFA) on proposed adjustments to the Software Package and Scientific Assessment Course of. Every of those actions could appear bureaucratic and technical on the floor, however collectively they form the way forward for agricultural analysis and technical service supply.
NIFA Feedback
Earlier this summer time, NIFA introduced that they’re requesting public enter on proposed adjustments to its Software Package and Proposal Assessment Course of. These processes, and the adjustments described, instantly have an effect on the accessibility, high quality, and affect of all USDA-funded analysis initiatives.
OFRF raised issues with the proposed addition of a “Disclosure of International Relationships” type added to the Software Package, associated to a latest memo from the Secretary. Whereas framed as a transparency measure, this new requirement dangers chilling worldwide collaborations and excluding non-citizen scientists who’ve lengthy contributed to the power of the USA’ agricultural analysis system. Already, we’re seeing foreign-born researchers being impacted. Somewhat than strengthening nationwide safety, this has the chance of hollowing out our analysis capability and weakening America’s management in agricultural innovation. OFRF urged NIFA to pause implementation of this requirement and have interaction with agricultural communities, from farmers to school researchers, in assessing its real-world impacts on analysis high quality, workforce improvement, and worldwide collaboration.
In a second Discover and Remark alternative, OFRF emphasised the significance of peer assessment because the cornerstone of scientific integrity and accountability. NIFA’s aggressive grants rely upon truthful, clear, and various assessment processes that stability scientific advantage with on-farm relevance. We really helpful a wide range of pathways for enhancing the method’s capability to reply to the wants of farmers and reflecting observations relevant to real-world farm operations. These enhancements usually are not nearly enhancing the administration of NIFA’s analysis grant packages, they’re about ensuring that USDA analysis funding is awarded to initiatives that matter to farmers, communities, and the setting.
Reorganization Feedback
In a much less formal remark alternative, OFRF weighed in on the USDA’s proposed reorganization plan, introduced on July 25, 2025. This plan threatens to additional erode the analysis and technical service capability farmers rely upon. Our feedback highlighted main dangers regarding scientific capability and program administration, and the very public-interest scientific mission this plan goals to realize. We discovered from the relocation of NIFA and ERS in 2018 that when relocation takes place quickly and with out group engagement, there are important workers losses that persist for years into the longer term. We referred to as on USDA to halt this reorganization till it engages in a clear, public course of with a cost-benefit evaluation, regional listening periods, and clear justifications for a way adjustments will enhance core companies.
OFRF’s Dedication
OFRF works to have interaction in each legislative and administrative advocacy to reaffirm our dedication to making sure agricultural analysis is led with scientific advantage, farmer relevance, and various views. Whether or not it’s defending the integrity of peer assessment, opposing exclusionary insurance policies in grant functions, or defending USDA’s analysis and repair capability, we are going to proceed to floor our coverage priorities within the wants of natural farmers in addition to the researchers and technical service professionals that assist them.
Take Motion, Help Our Work
The way forward for natural analysis is determined by robust, clear, and farmer-centered federal establishments. If you wish to assist defend that future:
Collectively, we will make sure that USDA analysis and companies stay a public good that builds a future for resilient farms and thriving communities.
Eat properly and breathe deeply,
Gordon
