Project to Explore Creating a National Organic Farmer Alliance

National policies, issues and institutions affect organic farmers, yet we lack a strong presence to ensure that the certified organic farmers’ viewpoint, needs and concerns are represented in the national arena. To address this situation, several organic farming organizations have been discussing building a more effective and clear voice for certified organic farmers. This past spring, over 40 U.S. organic farming organizations responded to a survey regarding an effort to create a national organic farmer alliance that would strengthen the organic farmer voice on the national level, as well as facilitate a stronger national organic farming movement. That organizational survey was the first step in assessing if there is national support for such an initiative among the organic community.

The majority of organizations surveyed feel there is a need for such an alliance, or are at least interested in exploring the idea more. Therefore, we are moving forward to survey individual organic farmers to find out if they also feel there is a need for a national organic farmer alliance that would help lead a national organic policy platform and help strengthen the national organic movement.