Today we’re sharing a guest blog post from the Chair of OFRF’s Board of Directors, Keith Richards.

From 1993-2020, Keith worked for the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group where he helped strengthen organic and sustainable farming in the Southern U.S. In his capacity as Program Director, he coordinated thousands of conference sessions and training projects to meet the needs of family farmers and community-based organizations. Prior to his work with Southern SAWG, Keith was the marketing manager for the Ozark Organic Growers Association, a coop of small organic farmers in the Ozarks bioregion. In the 1980s he helped develop a sustainable training farm in mid-Missouri and later managed an organic farm in northern California. He grew up in a farming community in northern Iowa.

Why I Support Organic Farming

As an idealist at heart, I’m attracted to pursuits of perfection and can be drawn into discussions of endless possibilities. But when it comes to giving my time or my money, I’m pretty practical. That’s why I chose a career in sustainable agriculture early on. A healthy agriculture that makes good use of resources and sustains life seems like a “no-brainer” for a civilized society, and it appalls me to see us get it wrong. So I’ve been working for 40 years to make it right. 

It’s also why I support OFRF. This organization is making it easier for farmers to use organic methods by elevating organic research as a priority in our national consciousness, in our universities, and on farms across America. Through research, education and advocacy, OFRF takes a holistic approach that produces practical results in ways that directly help farmers become better stewards and produce safer food. That’s a win for everyone… and something that feeds my idealism.  

For the past 10 years, I’ve contributed to OFRF through annual donations and as a board member, serving as treasurer, and now, as chair of the board. I invite you to join in this exciting work with me. You may not have the time or inclination to serve on the OFRF board, but you can still support our work in ways that fit your giving preference, including:  

And if the traditional cash donation route is what you prefer, you can always do that on the OFRF website at any time.

I hope you’ll join me in pursuit of organic perfection,

Keith