There’s a big focus on all the different
programs that USDA offers to help
local and regional food systems—from
a mobile slaughterhouse that enables
small-scale meat production to regional distribution centers tailored to
small farms, as well as information on
farm-to-school, farm-to-institution programs. It’s about new economic opportunities for producers as well as
healthier food for America.
ments that I can connect with, but there’s a limit to what I’ll actually be able to
take on as an initiative at any given time. And, of course, the department and
the whole government are tightening their belts.
“The cumulative effect will be that
organic takes root in more places and at a
OP: As we go forward, what do you think
will be the most positive changes, as well
the biggest challenges for the USDA and
NOP? How can the organic community
get involved?
Lipson: The biggest challenges are
going to be the reality of budgets and
staff. It’s just me in this kind of facili-
tating, cross-agency role. There are a
lot of people in the different depart-
There are, however, already many significant improvements, especially in
the NOP. Many of these changes may be smaller-scale and less visible, but
they’ll add up. Projects like the organic conservation programs, the interna-
tional trade work, research and development will begin to spread out through-
out the USDA. The cumulative effect will be that organic takes root in more
places and at a deeper level.
