On March 5, Hanna Smith-Brubaker, Executive Director of PASA Sustainable Agriculture, notified supporters and stakeholders the organization is being forced to institute a phased furlough of most of its employees due to the federal funding freeze.

"Several weeks ago, I shared an update on the federal funding freeze and the significant strain it is exerting on our organization and the farmers we serve.

"I regret to report that as of this writing, our USDA funding has now been frozen for more than 40 days—that means 40 days of dipping into reserve funds, which, while they are intended to see us through moments like this, are not intended to carry us forward indefinitely.

"While PASA remains as committed as ever to carrying out our mission, we have reached the point at which it would be fiscally irresponsible for us to continue full steam ahead without clarity on when or if our committed funding will resume.

"Therefore, beginning April 1, Pasa will be instituting a phased furlough of most employees.

"As funding allows, we are holding out hope to call back as many of our staff as possible in the weeks to follow.

"This decision is painful, but we know it's necessary to protect both the organization and our team.

"While we don’t currently anticipate prolonged disruptions to our education, outreach, and soil health research services, we ask for your patience and understanding during this time.

"While the path forward is unclear, we remain hopeful that vocal constituents like you can help thaw this freeze, and quickly. In the meantime, we must face the reality of the current situation with the thoughtful action and forward-thinking that it demands.

"Together, we’ll build the strength and community resilience we’ll need to secure our shared future."

Act Now

Click Here to contact members of Congress, including PA Congressman GT Thompson, Chair of the US House Agriculture Committee and US Secretary of Agriculture that could help with the funding freeze.

Click Here to make an emergency donation to PASA.

For more information on programs, initiatives, research, educational opportunities and how you can get involved, visit the PASA Sustainable Agriculture website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates.  Click Here to become a member.

PASA works to build a more economically-just, environmentally-regenerative, and community-focused food system through education and research that directly supports farmers.

NewsClips:

-- PennLive: DOGE Cutting Harrisburg-Area USDA Farm, Rural Development, USGS Water Research Center, Other Offices After Pushing Employees Out

-- Lancaster Farming: Farmers Feel Loss Of Climate Project Funding After Freezes

-- LancasterOnline Editorial: Lancaster County Farmers Face A Triple Whammy Of Threats: Tariffs, Bird Flu And Federal Funding Cuts 

-- The Allegheny Front: Pennsylvania Farm Group Faces Layoffs Amid Federal Funding Freeze

-- National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: Tell Your Members Of Congress To Unfreeze Agriculture Funds Now

-- Financial Times: President’s Tariffs Will Bring ‘Nothing But Pain’ To Rural America, Farmers Say

-- Beaver Times: President’s Tariffs On Imports Could Cost Pennsylvania $5.3 Billion 

[Posted: March 5, 2025]

3/10/2025