Navigating Current Federal Changes and Challenges

Updated July 10, 2025

Across the country, tens of thousands of farmers and the organizations serving them have been impacted by an unprecedented freeze on federal funds obligated under signed, lawful contracts.

Many in the OEFFA community and beyond remain in limbo. Producers who participated in now-terminated Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) programs, like Ohio CAN, are now confronted with revenue shortages. Farmers who have already installed irrigation equipment or planted cover crops with support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been understandably concerned about the reimbursements they were promised.

What Farmers and Farm Organizations are Experiencing

After sending out a survey to assess the impact of recent federal changes and challenges, we received over 100 responses, highlighting varied levels of harm resulting from federal funding freezes, program terminations, and difficulties in reaching USDA offices. We spoke with several affected farmers, researchers, community members, and organizations, including some who wanted to amplify their messages.

To help us better advocate with our members of Congress and the USDA, we talked with Casey Ellington of Ellington Farms, Jennifer Villwock of Happy Suns Farm, and Rachael Maysels of FairShare CSA Coalition. The video below highlights what they’ve experienced.

What OEFFA is Experiencing

OEFFA is among the many farmers, businesses, and organizations impacted by the federal funding freeze. Two of our major federal grants, Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry (CSAF) and Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), support integral parts of OEFFA’s educational work, including:

• One-on-one technical assistance from our staff of experienced sustainable agriculture educators
  • This includes the monthly OEFFA Farmer Help Shop, other workshops and webinars, and providing a general hotline for farmer support
• Organic education, including workshops at the OEFFA conference and help shops for those applying to be organic
• A mentor network to connect farmers transitioning to organic with an experienced organic farmer
• Many of the free OEFFA farm tours and workshops that provide valuable training and information for our farm communities

On April 14, the USDA announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, including OEFFA’s work under the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry (CSAF) program. The result is a loss of more than $500,000 in funding to support OEFFA’s staff and farming community.

This funding loss has led to a reevaluation of OEFFA programs and staff to adjust to these challenging financial circumstances. In late June, OEFFA’s leadership made the difficult decision to reduce OEFFA’s workforce by two positions and temporarily reduce hours for staff who regularly work 40 hours per week.

The decision to reduce our workforce and staff time does not reflect our staff’s incredible contributions to OEFFA, our members, and our partners, but rather the fiscal realities we are facing in these uncertain economic times. We are committed to treating all staff with respect and support as we make this transition.

Our education staff provides a number of services to farmers and growers, from expanding land access in Ohio to offering one-on-one technical support. You can see how we made a difference last year here. The reduction in OEFFA staff time in response to funding losses directly impacts our ability to provide these much-needed services. 

This funding dilemma comes at a time when donor support declines as people get swept up by summer plans and travel. However, the need for your help does not take a break. In fact, our farmers need the technical assistance and support of our education team during the summer growing season and harvest more than at any other time of the year.

Even though the duration and extent of the funding uncertainties are still unfolding, OEFFA remains committed to our work and our mission to serve our farm community. Thank you 🌱

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Has your farm, business, or farm-centered organization been impacted by the funding freeze? Your voice makes a difference. Use our email guide to send an impactful message to Secretary Rollins and your members of Congress. We provide tips for personalizing the pre-drafted message so you can take action in just a few minutes!