The Organic Farmers Association is gaining momentum, according to Politico. The group, organized by the Rodale (roh-dale) Institute, has formed a steering committee and will hold leadership elections early next year. The panel includes 12 voting seats for certified organic farmers and seven non-voting seats for organic farm organizations. The Rodale Institute says the organization has “several hundred members” that it is asking about their lobbying priorities and expects to be active in farm bill discussions. Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Moyer said the startup group gained support last year from organic watchdogs who opposed the Organic Trade Associations’ stance on GMO labeling legislation. Moyer also said many of the farmers he’s talked to are against the Agriculture Department’s organic checkoff program, but the Organic Farmers Association has not yet taken a position on the checkoff issue.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.