The Organic Farmers Association, a national membership organization advancing the interests of certified organic farmers, said that it named Mark Rokala, a lobbyist on agriculture issues, as its policy director and also elected a policy committee. This new leadership will facilitate the association’s policy platform.
OFA, sponsored by the Rodale Institute and formed last year, is the first policy group consisting solely of organic farmers. The Organic Trade Association, which also lobbies on organic issues, is made up of processors, retailers, traders, farmers and other members.
“Mark will be leading work on the farm bill, helping identify Organic Farmers Association farmer members’ policy priorities, connecting members with Congressional leaders, and ensuring that our federal policies help support thriving independent organic farmers,” the statement said.
Rokala, who has worked for 28 years on agricultural policy, will work under the direction of the newly elected policy committee and coordinate closely with the OFA Director Kate Mendenhall and steering committee Chair Jim Riddle.
The elected policy committee was made up of 12 voting certified organic farmer members and six advisory organizational members. From its start in the fall of 2016, OFA has been “working to build and support a farmer-led national organic farmer movement with a strong voice advocating for organic farmers. This first Policy Committee will help guide this work forward from the ground up,” the statement said.