This blog was written by OFRF Research Associate, Joanna Ory, who recently traveled to Washington, DC to present OFRF’s research findings on the needs of organic farmers.
I gave presentations to USDA researchers and policymakers to let them know about the importance of organic research and the priorities for organic farmers, based on findings in our recently released 2016 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA). Although organic farmers and ranchers face unique challenges, research in organic systems can benefit everyone, as both organic and non-organic farms can use organic techniques to increase sustainability and solve production challenges.
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering up to $3.8M in funding to support research, education and extension for both new and existing organic farmers and ranchers. The effort is aimed at helping more farmers gain access to the growing market for organic products in the U.S., which is now valued at more than $43B.
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), an advisory group responsible for considering issues and making recommendations to USDA on topics including the production, handling, and processing of organic products, held its biannual meeting in mid November in St. Louis. These meetings provide the opportunity for organic stakeholders to provide input on proposed changes and recommendations. After receiving recommendations from the NOSB, the USDA will publish its final rules on the issues.
As many of us prepare to sit down and enjoy a good meal with family and friends on Thanksgiving, we take a moment to reflect and give thanks. In giving thanks to the hosts, the cooks, and those that do the cleanup this Thanksgiving, also take a moment to give thanks for the planting, raising, nurturing, cultivating, and harvesting of the bounty of agricultural products that grace the Thanksgiving table.
The election of any new President comes with many challenges and opportunities. For the first time in eight years America is preparing for an Administration change. Starting in 2017, we will now be dealing with single party control of both houses of Congress and the Presidency. Looking forward, the political landscape will most certainly change dramatically. 
OFRF is pleased to announce a Spanish translation of its educational guide titled, Soil Microbial Interactions and Organic Farming. This resource explores the role of microorganisms, like bacteria, in creating healthy soil ecosystems that benefit organic farms. Microorganisms help create healthy soil, remove soil contaminants through bioremediation, and improve plant health by controlling weeds and plant disease.
As the demand for organic products continues to grow, more farmers and ranchers are becoming certified organic producers and transitioning all or part of their operations to organic production. In response, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is developing a network of field-level staff to help newer farmers understand and leverage resources. The position is designed to help improve field capacity in assisting organic and transitioning-to-organic producers.
Washington State University announced this week that Kevin Murphy, WSU assistant professor and breeder of barley and alternative crops, has received a $2M grant from the USDA Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative to continue his research on organic quinoa. We are thrilled that Murphy, an OFRF grant recipient in 2010 and 2014, has received additional funding to continue this important research.
OFRF strongly encourages farmers to apply for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Organic cost share reimburses individual organic operators up to 75% of their organic certification costs, with a maximum of $750 for each NOP scope of organic certification.