FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2015

Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
ajerome@nfudc.org

WASHINGTON (June 3, 2015) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson today hailed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to extend the proposal period for the organic checkoff.

“We are very pleased that USDA is accepting additional viewpoints from the organic community,” said Johnson. “We believe it is in the best interest of organic family farmers and the future success and effectiveness of their checkoff that as many viewpoints and proposals as possible be solicited,” he said.

USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service initially received the proposal for an organic research and promotion program on May 12, 2015. The initial deadline for alternative or partial proposals was June 19, 2015; the deadline has now been extended to July 20, 2015.

Johnson noted that since this is a rather complex checkoff, farmers need additional time to review and submit proposals. And given the fact that for most organic farmers this is a very busy time of the year, the additional time is greatly appreciated.

“We are very pleased that USDA responded positively to our request for an extension, and we look forward to submitting a supplemental proposal that best serves the nation’s organic family farmers and ranchers, as well as organic consumers,” said Johnson.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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