MOA 2020 Policy Proposals

Thank you 2020 MOA Conference Sponsors!!

1.  MOA supports tying the percentage of research devoted to organic agriculture at the federal and state level to an amount equal to or greater than the percentage of food which is sold in the US as organic. – Submitted by Bob Quinn

Contributions to MOA’s Mission? This proposal demonstrates that MOA supports efforts to improve broadband internet service across the state that is essential for business and education.

What are the possible benefits to adopting your policy proposal? Members will be better connected and better able to conduct business, participate in educational opportunities, connect with others, and more.

What are the possible benefits to adopting your policy proposal?  Montana ranks 50th or last of all the states for internet service, which includes broadband, DSL, Dial-Up, Cable modem, satellite, and others. Of the over 26,000 farms in Montana, only 21,000 of them have any internet access. Our rural communities still lack reliable broadband internet service and enough cell phone coverage for both household and business needs. Many governmental, marketing services, and education resources rely on the internet, but it is tough for rural Montanans to participate if they have inadequate service.  With the COVID pandemic, more business and schoolwork have moved online.

Contributions to MOA’s Mission? Promotes organic farming for the people’s highest good of the people, the environment, and the state’s economy.

What are the possible benefits of adopting your policy proposal? Demonstrates MOA’s support of initiatives that recognize organic agriculture that mitigates the effects of climate change, unpredictable and extreme weather events.

 What are the possible objections to adopting your policy proposal? Some MOA members do not accept the scientific evidence of human-caused climate change.

What support do you have for your proposal? MOA works with several organizations including OTA, the Organic Center, NSAC, OSA, OFA, and others that recognized organic farming as a means to mitigate the effects of climate change. There are numerous studies that confirm organic farming methods mitigate and are more resilient to unpredictable and extreme weather events and continuing research that investigates the benefits of soil health, crop diversity, crop resilience, etc.

Contributions to MOA’s Mission? MOA promotes organic farming. OCCPS helps organic farmers obtain and maintain USDA organic certification.

 What are the possible benefits of adopting your policy proposal? Organic farmers, ranchers, and handlers will receive financial support to obtain and maintain USDA organic certification. It can be an incentive for those considering transitioning to organic certification.

What are the possible objections to adopting your policy proposal?  Some members may not want to support federal tax dollars being spent on a support such as this.

What support do you have for your proposal? More than 50% of Montana’s certified organic operations use this program.

8. MOA supports all efforts to develop organic biological controls of disease, weeds, and pests. (11/18/2020 the word “perfect” was changed to “develop” after MOA Policy Discussion Session). – Submitted by Bob Quinn

Contributions to MOA’s Mission? This proposal demonstrates that MOA supports the USPS for national and international service for essential governmental, business, education, and networking purposes.

 What are the possible benefits to adopting your policy proposal? It is essential that members are able to conduct business via USPS with affordable, reliable, and timely mail service.

 What are the possible objections to adopting your policy proposal? N/A

 What are the possible benefits of adopting your policy proposal? In 1792, Congress passed the first major postal law that encouraged the exchange of printed news by allowing publications to travel through the US Mail at extremely low rates of postage – in some cases for free – to ensure the success of the democracy. Many MOA members rely on the US Mail to stay connected to family and friends, to ensure the success of their businesses, and to participate in governance and other activities, as an active citizen.

Contributions to MOA’s Mission? Promotes a robust National Organic Program that strengthens family farms through meaningful and coherent regulations.

What are the possible benefits of adopting your policy proposal? The National Organic Standards Board recognizes that consumers’ trust in the organic label and industry growth depends on the strength and consistent application of the organic regulations. NOSB has an integral role in advising USDA to promulgate these volunteer standards and strives to seek consensus among organic stakeholders in its recommendations to USDA and the secretary. The recently finalized Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule was based on a unanimous NOSB recommendation to USDA in 2011. The NOSB recommendation was the product of a decade of public NOSB meetings, lengthy discussions, public comment periods, and consultation from organic producers, processors, consumers, and the veterinary and scientific community. According to a survey by Organic Egg Farmers of America from 2014, most organic egg producers representing most organic egg production already adhere to the practices and standards outlined in the rule. A recent Consumer Reports survey found that 83% of consumers who frequently purchase organic products believe that organic eggs should come from hens with access to the outdoors. Additionally, USDA APHIS has found no significant differences in mortality rates between organic and conventional laying hen operations. Support for this rule has been expressed through public comments by major and growing organic brands4. The rule is supported by organic producers, consumers, the industry, and the NOSB.

What are the possible objections to adopting your policy proposal? Large-scale operations and others that do not comply with the rule.

13. TO BE RETIRED: