Newhouse Expresses Concerns Regarding Organic Certification Cost Share Program Changes
On Wednesday, Representative Dan Newhouse joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers sending a letter to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue expressing concerns with changes announced to the Organic Certification Cost Share Program. The issue, the announcement earlier this month that for Fiscal Year 2020 OCCSP funding would be reduced. Under the new FSA proposal, growers would see their reimbursement rate decrease from 75% to 50%, and the eligible costs would decrease to $500 per scope.
Newhouse said this announcement is especially discouraging considering how important the organic Ag industry has become for central Washington.
“In the 4th District, we have the highest number of organic farmers of any district in the state. And I believe we are 4th largest in the nation. It’s a growing part of the agricultural industry in the state of Washington because of it’s an important part of the economy.”
Wednesday’s letter added that as the Ag industry continues to recover from major supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19, USDA must utilize all available authorities and funding to help farmers, rancher and handlers. At this point, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue has not responded to the letter, but that doesn’t concern Newhouse.
“They’ve been very responsive to us on many of the issues that we’ve engaged with them on," Newhouse said. "So, I’m sure they’ll get back to us in a short order.”
Click Here to read the entire letter.
If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com
More From PNW Ag Network
