May 7, 2020

Organic Trade Association shares with USDA impact of COVID-19 on industry

The Organic Trade Association’s CEO and Executive Director Laura Batcha this week sent a letter to Secretary Perdue outlining impacts to the organic sector due to COVID-19.

In the letter, Batcha highlighted the unique supply chain challenges the organic sector is experiencing with certification and inspections, requested that certification cost-share funding be released in a timely manner, and advocated for the release of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement proposed rule.

In addition, the Organic Trade Association requested that emergency assistance to farmers include adequate funding to cover losses for organic producers and that personal protective equipment be provided to the food and agriculture workforce. The trade association also requested that the agency prioritize purchasing local and regional food for emergency food assistance programs.