The deficit-reduction procedures adopted as part of the debt ceiling deal that became law in August 2011 have had a great impact on federally funded programs. We are in a budget-cutting environment, like it or not. The House and Senate Agriculture committees are working on cutting Farm Bill spending by $23 billion over the next 10 years.
Despite the growth of the organic food industry in the last decade, the federal budget for organic farming, research, and conservation is very small, and anticipated budget cuts will have an impact on the organic food industry.
The voice of the organic and sustainable community is making itself heard in Washington, with independent farmers and organizations submitting their budget recommendations to Congress. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, one such group, provides an informative look at budget cuts and their effects. They are basically asking for restored funding to programs that spur jobs, innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Read more about the Farm Bill.
