Organic Farmers Deserve a Seat at the NRCS Table
Key NRCS programs that organic farmers relied on are being lost as the agency reorganizes. After meeting with USDA Under Secretary Richard Fordyce, OFRF and Oregon Tilth are asking NRCS to count organic producers again, build real organic expertise, and restore targeted support.
Looking Local: Opportunities for Organic in State-Level Policy
As federal Farm Bill negotiations stall, states have an opportunity to advance organic agriculture through local food programs and policy initiatives. From farm-to-school programs to organic certification, states policies are leading the way in building a resilient, organic market.
Organic Week Was Full of Certified Smiles!
Last month, Organic Week in Washington, D.C. brought together farmers, advocates, retailers, and industry leaders for timely conversations about the future of organic agriculture. While the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill markup offered little progress on key organic priorities, the conference highlighted the resilience driving the organic sector forward.
Building Organic Connections through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)
Read the stories of three Midwest farmers and how they’re supporting organic agriculture in their region through peer-to-peer connections. Through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), farmers are building knowledge and strengthening the organic farming community.
Beating Pests and Disease: What Northwest Farmers and Researchers Have Learned the Hard Way
Written by: Mary Elizabeth Kidd, Communications Associate As the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) team continues its work facilitating the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) to strengthen organic farming communities and encourage farmers to transition their farming systems for organic certification, we’re hosting Seeds of Success virtual networking sessions across the country. These sessions give regional farmers a platform to share knowledge and ask questions about organic production systems and the organic certification process. OFRF recently hosted a farmer- and researcher-led Seeds of Success panel discussion on the [...]
Your Region, Your Research: What’s New on the Organic Research Hub
Finding organic farming research shouldn't feel like a scavenger hunt. See what's new on the Organic Research Hub, including: region-specific pages, 300+ vetted experts, Spanish-language access, and free printable factsheets built just for your area.
Start Here! An Organic Farmer/Rancher’s Guide to Government Programs
The USDA offers myriad programs to farmers and ranchers seeking financial and technical assistance support. But, with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start! OFRF has made a series of guides to demystify government programs, with easy, step-by-step application support.
Using Synergy, Conservation Practices, and NRCS Support to Save Citrus with Uncle Matt’s Organic
As the Head of Research with Uncle Matt's Organic and a fourth-generation citrus farmer with McLean Family Farms, Ben McLean III is harnessing science, a robust network of experts and support, and family legacy to help safeguard the future of citrus in Florida and around the world.
Building Organic Knowledge: OFRF’s Annual Research Report and Webinars for NRCS
Learn about the Organic Farming Research Foundation's latest research summary and webinars with the USDA NRCS. These reports and sessions provide valuable insights into organic farming practices, covering topics like soil health, pest management, and nutrient management to help NRCS staff support organic and transitioning farmers across the U.S.
Predicting What the Rest of the Year Looks Like in D.C.
Congress is back in session with a packed agenda, from government funding to the Farm Bill. Here’s what the latest developments mean for organic research and agriculture.
