Three piglets, one for every of the feedback we submitted to the USDA final month.
At OFRF, we all know that sturdy, 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 completely 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 Utility Package and Scientific Assessment Course of. Every of those actions could seem 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 Utility Package and Proposal Assessment Course of. These processes, and the adjustments described, immediately have an effect on the accessibility, high quality, and influence of all USDA-funded analysis tasks.
OFRF raised considerations with the proposed addition of a “Disclosure of Overseas Relationships” type added to the Utility 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 america’ agricultural analysis system. Already, we’re seeing foreign-born researchers being impacted. Slightly than strengthening nationwide safety, this has the danger 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 growth, and worldwide collaboration.
In a second Discover and Remark alternative, OFRF emphasised the significance of peer evaluation because the cornerstone of scientific integrity and accountability. NIFA’s aggressive grants rely on honest, clear, and numerous evaluation processes that steadiness scientific advantage with on-farm relevance. We beneficial quite a lot of pathways for bettering the method’s capacity to reply to the wants of farmers and reflecting observations relevant to real-world farm operations. These enhancements will not be nearly bettering the administration of NIFA’s analysis grant packages, they’re about ensuring that USDA analysis funding is awarded to tasks that matter to farmers, communities, and the surroundings.
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 on. Our feedback highlighted main dangers referring to scientific capability and program administration, and the very public-interest scientific mission this plan goals to attain. We realized 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 long run. We known 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 numerous views. Whether or not it’s defending the integrity of peer evaluation, opposing exclusionary insurance policies in grant purposes, or defending USDA’s analysis and repair capability, we’ll 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, Assist Our Work
The way forward for natural analysis depends upon sturdy, 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 nicely and breathe deeply,
Gordon
