Communities across the Pacific Northwest are managing the impacts of prolonged rainfall this week, which has led to localized flooding, road closures, and rising river levels in several counties. Emergency teams and local agencies are coordinating response efforts, assessing damage, and supporting residents affected by the high water. While conditions continue to evolve, officials are encouraging the public to stay informed and follow local safety guidance as recovery efforts get underway.

Our hearts are with all who are being impacted by the flooding across the Pacific Northwest. We know many of you, your families, and your operations are facing significant challenges as historic rainfall has caused rivers to reach record levels and widespread evacuations across Washington, Oregon, and parts of Montana. 

Our client services teams are in close communication with many affected operators and have already received early reports of flooding, access issues, safety concerns, and disruptions to farm and handling operations. We want you to know that Oregon Tilth stands in solidarity with you. We are here to support you, and assist with any regulatory needs as you work through these unprecedented conditions.

If you have been impacted and anticipate difficulties complying with organic regulations where a temporary variance may apply, please contact your client delivery team or our main office at (503) 378-0690 or organic@tilth.org. Our team will walk you through the steps to request a variance and ensure you remain in compliance with organic standards during this emergency.

Temporary variances may only be granted by the USDA National Organic Program for specific reasons under the NOP regulation, including: crop practice standards 205.203-207, livestock practices 205.236-240, or handling practices in 205.270-272.

Disaster Assistance and Relief Resources

To support recovery efforts, the USDA offers several tools and programs for producers impacted by natural disasters:

USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool

This tool helps you identify which federal assistance programs may be available
based on your operation type and the impacts you experienced.

USDA Flood Recovery Resources

Guidance and support for producers recovering from flood impacts,
including available programs, documentation needs, and next steps.

If there is anything we can do to support your recovery efforts, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your safety and well-being remain our highest priority.

Main Office Contact: 

P: 503-378-0690 

E: organic@tilth.org

Client delivery team contacts:

Red Team Phone: 541-241-8037 Email: red@tilth.org	Orange Team Phone: 541-226-3176 Email: orange@tilth.org	Yellow Team Phone: 541-279-2232 Email: yellow@tilth.org
Green Team Phone: 541-304-2302 Email: green@tilth.org	Blue Team Phone: 541-279-2676 Email: blue@tilth.org	Indigo Team Phone: 541-291-4919 Email: indigo@tilth.org