Is the Future of Organic Food at Risk? Research Funding Holds the Answer
USDA organic research programs like OREI and ORG have fueled groundbreaking innovations in sustainable farming, benefiting farmers and the environment alike. But proposed funding cuts threaten their progress at a critical time.
Why I Spend My Time With OFRF, Relections on 2024 From Our Board President
Farmer and OFRF Board President, April Thatcher, reflects on how her farm's winter routine parallels the transformative work of OFRF in 2024. From farmer-led research and climate resilience to equitable organic farming initiatives, discover how OFRF is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and empowering farmers nationwide. Learn how you can get involved and make an impact today.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Kennebec Valley Farm
Up on a ridge in rural Maine, Jennifer Barrientos runs Kennebec Valley Farm. She is certified organic and uses no till and biodynamic methods to grow her produce. Jennifer is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) Program to answer the question With technical support from OFRF, Jennifer built out her trial, asking “Will purchased soil amendments result in higher yield and soil health when compared to farm made compost in brassica crops”?
OFRF Launches Organic Stewardship Council to Strengthen Farmer-Centered Programs and Advocacy
OFRF is proud to announce the launch of the Organic Stewardship Council, a new advisory group that ensures farmers remain at the heart of our research, education, and advocacy efforts. Learn how this council will shape the future of organic farming.
How Hosting NRCS Farm Tours Can Open Doors for Organic Farmers
Offering real-world conservation planning for NRCS staff can open doors for organic farmers. Farmshare Austin shares their recent tour experience and tips for hosting your own NRCS farm tour.
Agricultural Runoff: Organic Practices as a Method for Marine Conservation
This month, our Policy & Programs intern takes a deep dive into the intersection of agriculture and marine health, highlighting how agricultural runoff impacts our oceans and estuaries. As a Religious Studies major and Oceanography minor, Jazea's unique perspective bridges land and sea, offering insights into the consequences of conventional farming practices on marine ecosystems, and the solutions that organic systems offer.
Advancing Organic Agriculture: Sharing Fire Blight Research with Rep. DeLauro’s Office
Dr. Quan Zeng is a plant pathologist, focusing on bacterial plant pathogens, specifically Erwinia amylovora, the cause of fire blight. Federal funding for organic agricultural research is crucial to continue this type of research, which equips farmers with solutions to production challenges that threaten their economic viability.
Returning to My Roots
As his internship with the OFRF comes to an end, Dakota Moore reflects on the experiences and lessons that have shaped him as a farmer, advocate, and organic professional. From supporting cutting-edge research to presenting in webinars, his internship has been "a transformative journey, equipping me with the tools to revitalize my family farm and pursue a career advancing sustainable agriculture."
A Landscape Shift: Opportunities and Challenges for Organic Agriculture Under a Trump Administration
What do this year’s election results mean for the Organic Farming Research Foundation and organic agriculture at large? With a Trump presidency and a solid, multi-seat Republican majority in the Senate, the USDA will likely be shaped and directed in line with the new administration’s vision.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Trouvaille Farm
Lindsay Klaunig runs Trouvaille Farm in southeastern Ohio, raising grass-fed beef and goats, heirloom crops, and fruit trees. As a seed grower, Lindsay is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) Program to answer the question "Will using shade cloth improve fruit set in pepper plants grown for seed?" And if so, will that lead to early mature harvest and overall higher yields?
