For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2009 |
Contact: |
Ted Quaday
Communications Director
(831) 426-6606
ted@ofrf.org |
Organic Farming Research Foundation Targets Education,
Production Improvements in First 2009 Grant Round
Fruit Production Research, Seed Production,
and Pest Management Highlight Study Agenda
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Ten new grants totaling nearly $128,000 were awarded to research and education projects throughout the country this spring by the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) Board of Directors. Projects aimed at improving organic fruit production gained significant support as did research into pest management and organic seed production.
OFRF’s proposal review team was gratified to note that more and more researchers are taking a “whole systems” approach in their project proposals.
“Systems research is a crucial element in helping producers improve organic methods,” said Jane Sooby, OFRF’s organic research specialist. “Experienced organic producers understand that soil health is intimately related to crop quality and resistance to pests. Research reflecting this ‘whole systems’ approach will substantially increase its value to organic producers.”
Among the projects funded this spring were innovative studies into pest management through intercropping, organic cover crop seed production and trials of promising organic vegetable varieties. OFRF’s special partnership with Stretch Island Fruit Company helped fund research into control of apple replant disease and development of an organic production system for the Goji berry.
“OFRF’s commitment to supporting the widespread adoption and continuous improvement of organic agriculture remains strong in 2009,” said OFRF Executive Director Bob Scowcroft. “Financial support from the public, the organic industry and the philanthropic community forms the foundation of our work.”
Review of Fall 2009 project proposals is now underway. Growers, researchers, and educators are encouraged to submit proposals by Nov. 16, 2009, for consideration in the Spring 2010 grant round. Proposals on all topics pertinent to organic farming are welcome.
Since 1990, OFRF has awarded 290 grants totaling more than $2 million. More than 120 reports from funded projects covering an array of organic farming topics are available free at ofrf.org. A complete list of OFRF grants is also available on the site.
The foundation’s requests for proposals for research and education/outreach project funding are available at ofrf.org/grants/apply.html. Those interested in learning more about OFRF’s grant program are invited to contact Jane Sooby at (831) 426-6606, ext. 107 or jane@ofrf.org.
Grants Awarded by the Organic Farming Research Foundation Spring 2009
The OFRF Board of Directors awarded 10 new grants in March totaling $127,752. $43,076 was disbursed to support two fruit projects. Here are OFRF’s latest investments in new organic knowledge:
Research Projects
|
|
Miguel Altieri |
$14,730 |
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Enhancing biological control of insect pests using flowering intercrops in wine grape agroecosystems, year 2. |
|
Matthew Grieshop |
$8,140 |
Michigan State University.
East Lansing, Michigan
Adapting organic apple practices for Great Lakes region organic hops production. |
|
Robert Hadad |
$5,868 |
Cornell Regional Vegetable Program
Lockport, New York
Investigating the use of buckwheat strips to attract beneficial insects for the management of Colorado potato beetle, year 2. |
|
Ray Hicks |
$2,536 |
University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension
Sylvania, Georgia
Organic cover crop seed production as a sustainable enterprise for the Southeast. |
|
Lori Hoagland |
$ 35,122
(2 years) |
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Enhancing biological control of insect pests using flowering intercrops in wine grape agroecosystems, year 2. |
|
|
Michael Mazourek |
$14,953 |
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
Trialing and seed increase of promising new vegetable varieties for organic systems |
|
Stacy Philpott |
$14,983 |
University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
Investigating the effects of shade canopy management on natural enemies, pests, plant damage, and yield in organic coffee plantations. |
|
Norma Wilson |
$7,954
(2 years) |
Butterfly Hill Plants
Lovettsville, Virginia
Developing an organic commercial production system for the Goji berry
Funded in partnership with
Stretch Island Fruit Company. |
|
Education/Outreach Projects
|
Melissa Matthewson |
$8,466 |
Oregon State University Small Farms Extension
Central Point, Oregon
Educating women farmers about certified organic production. |
|
Kathie Starkweather |
$15,000 |
Center for Rural Affairs
Hartington, Nebraska
Increasing the adoption of organic farming practices through NRCS training. |
|
|
About the Organic Farming Research Foundation
The Organic Farming Research Foundation was founded in 1990 to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF sponsors organic farming research and education projects, disseminates the results to organic farmers and to growers interested in adopting organic production systems, and educates the public and policymakers about organic farming issues. The majority of OFRF’s board members are working organic farmers.
Learn more about OFRF and its work at ofrf.org.
|
