Release: NSAC Commends Defense of Farmers Amidst Ongoing Unlawful Contract Freeze

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Laura Zaks

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

press@sustainableagriculture.net

Tel. 347.563.6408

Release: NSAC Commends Defense of Farmers Amidst Ongoing Unlawful Contract Freeze

Washington, DC, March 27, 2025 – Today, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-2), alongside others, introduced the Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025 in response to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ongoing federal funding freeze, staff layoffs, and office closures. The bill would require USDA to unfreeze all signed contracts, make past due payments as quickly as possible, and prohibit USDA from canceling contracts absent a failure to comply with the terms of the contract. It would also prohibit USDA from closing county and field offices without justification to Congress.

“During the last several months, countless farmers, and the community-based organizations who serve them, have had their livelihoods thrown into doubt as USDA has deliberated whether or not to honor its own legal contracts. From conservation and supply chain investments, to domestic market development and local food purchases, USDA’s hesitation to honor contracts has destabilized rural and urban communities nationwide,” said Mike Lavender, Policy Director at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), adding that: “The Honor Farmer Contracts Act unequivocally reiterates a bedrock principle – USDA must honor its word, and swiftly meet its legal obligations to farmers and organizations by immediately releasing funding on all signed contracts. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition thanks Senator Booker and all Members of Congress standing alongside farmers in asking USDA to honor its commitments.”

The introduction of the Honor Farmer Contracts Act follows months of uncertainty and widespread coverage of the mounting impacts. For more resources and information, visit the NSAC blog.

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About the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is a grassroots alliance that advocates for federal policy reform supporting the long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. Learn more: https://sustainableagriculture.net/

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