News & Updates

April 2023

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2023 Farmer Membership Today

Check out our farmer benefits below (only paying WODPA Farmer members will receive future Mercaris reports).

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FDA's Draft Guidance for Industry: Labeling of Plant- Based Milk Alternatives and Voluntary Nutrient Statements

WODPA submitted comments on FDA's Draft Guidance for Industry: Labeling of Plant- Based Milk Alternatives and Voluntary Nutrient Statements. See our submitted comments. 

View our comments here

NRCS Announces $75 Million to Assist Producers Transitioning to Organic as Part of USDA's Organic Transition Initiative | Natural Resources Conservation Service

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced details around its $75 million investment in conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic production.

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Grazing Season is upon us!

With drastic weather befalling us this year, it may be time to think about applying for a variance. We suggest you start that conversation with your certifier sooner rather than later to ensure they know what your circumstances are and are prepared to apply for what you need. Open communication with your certifiers is key!

NOSB Comments

The NOSB meets twice per year in a public forum to discuss the issues and vote on its final recommendations. The NOSB values transparency and public input, inviting both advance written and in-person oral public comments to gain additional perspectives on their recommendations. All meetings are free and open to the public.

Click here to view submitted comments 

Financial Opportunities:


The Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP- Grassland) is open for enrollment

  1. CRP Grasslands (usda.gov) 
  2. Signups are open from April 17 – May 26, 2023 


The Emergency Livestock Disaster Assistance Program (ELAP) deadline for 2022 has been extended 

  1. Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) (usda.gov) 
  2. Applications have been extended to June 2, 2023 


Value-Added Producer Grant: Taking Your Operation to the Next Level

The purpose of VAPG is to provide funds for economic planning activities or eligible working capital expenses: 

  1. To help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of agricultural products 
  2. To expand markets for, and increase financial returns to agricultural producers 
  3. To strengthen the rural economy

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2022 - 2023

Board of Directors

Zach Cahill, California

President

Stewart Kircher, Oregon

Vice President

Lianne Nunes-Taverna, California

2nd Vice President

Dean Wesen, Washington

Treasurer

Darby Heffner, California

Secretary 

George McClelland,

California Representative Jenneke deJong, 

Oregon Representative 

Durk Deelstra, 

Idaho Representative 

Henk Postmus,

Texas Representative 

Andrew Dykstra,

Washington Representative

Vanessa Nunes,

At Large Representative

Tony Schilter, 

At Large Representative

Richard Hughes,

At Large Representative

Ryan Mensonides, 

At Large Representative

Dr. Cindy Daley,

University Advisor 

Jennifer Beretta,

Ex-Offico 


Lia Sieler,

Executive Director

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