Written by Vinnie Trometter
When people think of organic food these days, they might picture a well-stocked grocery store, a local farmers’ market, or their favorite organic snack. What most people don’t picture? A day of meetings on Capitol Hill.
But that’s precisely where you’ll find us.
With the future of agricultural policy in flux and renewed attention on domestic food security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices, it’s more important than ever that organic farmers—and the science that supports them—have a seat at the table.
OFRF has been working hard to increase our presence in Washington, D.C., to make sure organic farmers have a voice in the decisions shaping agriculture policy. And what’s been especially encouraging lately is this: organic farming is something both sides of the aisle can get behind.
As OFRF’s point person in D.C., I spend my days walking the halls of Congress, meeting with lawmakers and their staff, and talking about the value of organic farming research. We work closely with coalition partners and farmer representatives to ensure organic perspectives are heard and reflected in policy decisions. What’s striking is that whether I’m in a Democrat’s office or a Republican’s, the conversations almost always land in the same place: organic farming research matters.
With some offices, the conversation might start with a concern about the trade deficit, increasing domestic food production, or improving public health. For others, conversation may focus on sustainability, conservation, and environmental health. But in the end, the key point is the same—investing in organic research benefits farmers in all parts of the country.
Left to right: Rep. Nunn (IA-3, R), Alice Runde (NOC), Gordon Merrick (OFRF Sr. Policy & Programs Manager), Vinnie Trometter (OFRF Policy Fellow) during the 2025 NOC Fly-In
I usually begin with a simple fact: the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) has said that innovation and technology are the main contributors to economic growth in U.S. agriculture. Then, I connect the dots. For example, investing in organic research helps reduce the organic trade deficit, supports American farmers, and ensures consumers get access to food that’s both nutritious and responsibly grown.
From there, we talk specifics. At OFRF, we’re focused on a handful of key programs in this year’s federal budget:
- The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI)
- The Organic Transitions Program (ORG)
- The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program
- The Organic Data Initiative (ODI)
We shape our advocacy based on what farmers tell us they need—through direct conversations, guidance from our Organic Stewardship Council, and insights from thousands of survey responses in the National Organic Research Agenda (NORA).
Each one plays a unique role in boosting productivity, supporting farmer-led innovation, and helping small and mid-sized organic producers thrive. And when we show congressional offices how these programs are already helping researchers and farmers in their own states? That’s when the conversation really clicks.
We’ve found that staying rooted in the facts builds trust. We keep our messaging focused on economic impact, real-world results, and the growing demand for organic food, which now tops $71 billion annually. That resonates whether someone’s priority is market competitiveness or environmental stewardship.
And yes, we’re hearing the concerns about tight budgets. But we also hear this: “These are small investments with big returns.”
The truth is, organic agriculture doesn’t belong to one political party. It’s about innovation, health, economic opportunity, and smart stewardship of our land. And that’s something everyone can get behind.
As OFRF continues to expand our presence in D.C., we’re proud to be a bridge between science, policy, and the people who grow our food. We know this work matters—and we’re grateful to be carrying it forward, one conversation at a time.
From DC,
Vinnie
