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Merrigan Pledges Full Organic Integration Across USDA

STEVENSON, Wash. -- In a message to attendees of the third annual Organic Summit (www.theorganicsummit.com), Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan pledged that organic will be integrated across all agencies at USDA. In addition to the integration, Merrigan said, "Organic can no longer be stove-piped at USDA."

Click here for more of the Deputy Secretary's statement; View the complete video and transcript.

Kathleen Merrigan

Events

Join us!
On July 9, 2009 OFRF will host our 6th annual Midsummer's Eve benefit reception for organic research and education, at Pastures of Plenty Farm in Longmont, CO.

For more information
and to register

Hear Bob Scowcroft's KGNU radio comments about the Midsummer's Eve reception and organic agriculture.

Apply For the EQIP Organic Initiative!
The USDA has set aside $50 million to assist farmers in implementing conservation measures on their farms. Find out more on our EQIP Organic Initiatives Resource Page.

Policy Update
Organic Farmers Action Network - June 8, 2009
Obama Budget, Farm Bill Update, Developments at USDA and More: Read our June update for the latest policy news and info from Washington.

Food Safety - April 30, 2009
While OFRF has not taken a position on recent food safety legislative proposals, we recognize that this issue is of great concern to small and midsize organic farmers. Our friends at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association have released a well-written and thoughful position paper on this issue, and we encourage you to read it.

OFRF's 2008 Annual Report
is now available online

"In the Field and At the Table"
Our 2008 Annual Report highlights OFRF's record-breaking year in grantmaking, our landmark public policy gains on behalf of organic agriculture, and the reasons why your support is so important to the future of food and farming.

Click here to download the report.

Applying for OFRF Grants
The OFRF board of directors considers organic farming research and education proposals for funding twice a year. The next proposal due date is November 16, 2009. OFRF now issues separate RFPs for on-farm research projects and education and outreach projects.

Publications

Information Bulletin No. 16 presents the latest results of OFRF-funded research and education projects [pdf].

2007 National Organic Research Agenda presents a catalogue of research needs for organic agriculture [pdf].

Questions about organic? Visit Organic FAQs, OFRF's fact sheet in response to frequently asked questions about organic food and farming.

In the News

Special SCOAR Bulletin - June 30, 2009. USDA issues corrected link for the Integrated Organic and Water Quality Program funding announcement. Proposals are due July 24. Details>>

PRESS RELEASE
OFRF Targets Education, Production Improvements in First 2009 Grant Round
Read>>

AUDIO
"Farmers see future in organics," from the California Report, featuring a Central Valley farmer applying for EQIP funds. Listen>>

PRESS RELEASE
OFRF offers producers EQIP application links. Read>>

PRESS RELEASE
New Federal Organics Initiative Gains OFRF Praise. Read>>

FOOD SAFETY
Executive Director Bob Scowcroft offers views during an interview with Paul Butler on the syndicated radio program Prime Time America, Mar. 16. Listen>>

"MEET AND GREET" ORGANIC BENEFIT LUNCHEON
OFRF Grantee Dave Christensen drew a standing ovation at our recent luncheon at Expo West in Anaheim.,
Mar. 5 Listen>>

IN THE FIELD
The benefits of low-till organic. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. Read>>

Organic Farmers Action Network
Want to stay informed about organic agriculture policy in Congress and at USDA? Join OFRF's Organic Farmers Action Network to receive organic policy alerts and updates.