Farmers: Write to USDA in Support of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) Rule

August 7, 2026

We at NOFA-VT, along with our partners at the National Organic Coalition, are encouraging organic farmers and businesses to write directly to USDA leadership to express strong support for the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) rule and opposition to any effort to weaken or rescind it.

We believe there is a credible risk that the OLPS rule could be weakened or overturned before full implementation. It is especially important that USDA leadership hear directly from organic farmers and businesses who support strong standards and can speak to the real-world impacts of this rule.

At this stage, individualized messages from credible farmers and businesses are far more effective than form letters. Please write in your own voice and draw on your own experience. Messages grounded in real operational experience will be the most effective.

Instructions

• Use your own words—do not copy language directly
• Keep your message succinct - 3 or 4 paragraphs is enough
• Focus on your experience as a farmer or business
• Use the outline below to ensure you cover key points
• Share your draft with Abby Youngblood, Steve Etka, and Lily Hawkins for coordination purposes:
  • Abby Youngblood, NOC Executive Director, [email protected]
  • Steve Etka, NOC Policy Director, [email protected]
  • Lily Hawkins, OFA Policy Director, [email protected]
     

They will follow up with the appropriate USDA email addresses and recommended cc list.

Suggested Subject Lines

• Support for Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS)
• Organic farmer urging full implementation of OLPS
• Strong support for OLPS from an organic farmer
• Why our farm supports the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards rule
• From an organic farmer: Please maintain OLPS
• Our farm has invested in OLPS—please don’t roll it back
• Why strong organic livestock standards matter to our business

Sample Email (for inspiration only—please do not copy verbatim)

Dear Secretary Rollins, Deputy Secretary Vaden, and Under Secretary Hoskins,

My name is [Name], and I am the owner/operator of [Farm or Business Name], an organic [type of operation] based in [State]. I have been involved in organic production for [X years].
I am writing to express my strong support for the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) rule and to urge USDA not to weaken, delay, or rescind this regulation.

Strong organic standards are essential to maintaining consumer trust and ensuring that farmers who have made investments in organic production are treated fairly. For my operation, these investments are not just a cost—they are a business decision grounded in strong market demand and long-term economic viability. For my operation, [briefly describe your experience—e.g., investments you’ve made, how you manage livestock, or how you meet organic requirements].

[Add 1–2 specific examples, such as:]

• The investments you have made to comply with organic standards
• What your customers expect from organic products
• Why a level playing field matters for your business
• How your operation and trust in the organic label would be affected if the rule were weakened
• Why these investments make financial sense for your business (e.g., stronger prices, stable markets, customer demand)
• My customers expect that organic livestock and poultry are raised with meaningful outdoor access and high animal welfare standards. Maintaining strong and consistent standards is critical to preserving confidence in the organic label. The continued growth of organic livestock and poultry markets reflects that these standards are working—for farmers, businesses, and consumers alike.

I urge USDA to fully implement and uphold the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards rule without delay and to reject any effort to roll it back.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Farm/Business Name]
[Location]

Key Points to Include in Your Message

Please aim to cover most of the following in your own words:

• Who you are and what you produce
• A clear statement that you strongly support OLPS and oppose any rollback or delay in implementation
• Why strong organic standards matter for your business and for consumer trust
• One or more specific examples from your operation, such as:
  • Why complying with strong organic standards has been economically beneficial for your operation (e.g., price premiums, market access, customer demand, long-term stability)
    Investments you have made to comply with the rule
  • Certification costs or infrastructure investments
  • Customer expectations for organic livestock and poultry
  • Why OLPS supports fair competition and a level playing field
  • How weakening or delaying the rule would negatively affect your business
  • A clear closing statement urging USDA to maintain and fully implement the rule without delay

Additional points you may consider including (if relevant to your operation):

• How strong standards support a profitable, market-driven system that benefits farmers, rather than creating unnecessary regulatory burden
• Investments you’ve made based on the expectation that OLPS would be implemented
• The importance of a level playing field—ensuring all producers meet the same standards
• The need for regulatory certainty so farms and businesses can plan and invest
• The role your operation plays in supporting local jobs and rural economies
• How strong standards help maintain consumer trust and clear expectations; this has contributed to the success of the organic industry and allowed it to grow to more than $76 billion in sales in 2025
• Why USDA should focus on implementing the rule rather than reopening it

Thank you for taking the time to advocate for strong organic livestock and poultry standards!