Organic Farming Research Foundation works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF cultivates organic research, education, and federal policies that bring more farmers and acreage into organic production.
OFRF NEWS
NRCS Programs on an Organic Farm
Elmwood Stock Farm is a diversified organic farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, producing mixed vegetables, fruits, beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork and value-added products. As a sixth-generation farm, Elmwood has learned to adapt to changing times, shifts in market opportunities, and modifications in state and Federal support programs over the generations. For farmer John Bell, a key to Elmwood’s success has been an ongoing fertility program based on crop-livestock integration and long crop rotations. For the Bell family, the presence of livestock and the practice of crop rotations are part of a family-farm heritage, one that has long been supported by programs like those offered by the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
Gordon’s Policy Corner: Navigating September’s Shifts
In September, as the seasons shift and government fiscal year deadlines loom, the world of organic farming faces a series of transitions. The blog discusses the uncertainty surrounding government funding and the Farm Bill, emphasizing the need for continued engagement with policymakers. It also highlights OFRF's efforts to equip individuals in the organic farming community with tools to engage with legislators and encourages the sharing of information on organic field days and relevant newsletters. The blog emphasizes the importance of staying connected and working collectively to support the growth of organic agriculture.
New Crop-Livestock Integration Resources
In the 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), organic farmers and ranchers across North America shared a common desire for more technical assistance and educational resources on Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS), a holistic practice that integrates the production of cash crops and livestock on the same piece of land or within the same farming operation. To address this need, OFRF has developed a Crop-Livestock Integration series informed by interviews with highly experienced organic producers across the US whose farming operations have benefited from integrated crop and livestock production.
Organic + Regenerative: messaging resources coming soon
Organic agriculture, grounded in principles that collaborate with nature, foster healthy soil, and contribute to clean water, biodiversity, and thriving farm communities, encompasses the essence of holistic and regenerative farming. However, organic is often overlooked as a climate solution. In this short note our Executive Director, Brise Tencer, explains why it’s so important to illuminate the organic management practices that are leading the way in climate-friendly agriculture, and we share insight into a new suite of resources that OFRF will be launching soon!
Celebrating Midsummer Growth: OFRF team expands
As farms bustle with midsummer abundance, OFRF is also excited to celebrate growth. In the month of July, we welcomed three new members to our organization! We are elated to see the team grow and with added capacity, OFRF looks forward to continuing to serve organic and transitioning farmers across the nation.
What August Recess means for Organic Ag Advocacy
This month's Policy Corner has a guest author, OFRF Policy and Communications Intern, Adam Bagul. As August Recess sweeps Senators and Representatives out of DC and back to their home districts, Adam explains what this means for constituents who can use this opportunity to speak with policy-makers and advocate for organics.
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