General News
Organic Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Ajay Nair
In this fourth OFRF Organic Researcher Spotlight, we take a look at the work of Dr. Ajay Nair, Chair of the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. His latest OREI-funded research evaluates crop rotations and coop designs for integrating poultry with organic vegetable production.
Farmer Led Trials Program Spotlight: Verdant Phoenix Farm
Rhianna Simes, M.S.Ed. owns and operates Verdant Phoenix Farm, a 10 acre urban farm and education center located in Jackson County, Oregon. The farm is managed as a no-till production system and is certified organic. She is participating in OFRF's Farmer Led Trials (FLT) Program to test the success of occultation as opposed to tillage as a field preparation solution for no-till farming.
From Global Insights to Local Impact, an intern perspective
As Marina Vergara, former intern at OFRF, moves onto the next chapter, she reflects on her experience gaining knowledge about organic farming in the US and building professional confidence through research and project management with OFRF. She is excited to apply her learnings at her new role as a Community Outreach Farmer.
The Importance of Community and Collaboration in Organic Agriculture Research
Through a new Researcher & Extension Agent affinity group in the West/Southwestern region, OFRF is helping to foster community within the organic farming sector, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
The Song of One Thrush: Why We Need Each Other to Build a Healthier Food System
Our Board President, April Jones Thatcher, offers a heartfelt reflection on the joys and challenges of organic farming. In her inspiring call to action, April explores how you can be part of a healthier food system. Read her message and discover how your choices can cultivate a more sustainable future for our communities and our planet.
OFRF and 90 Partners Issue Urgent Call for More Organic Research Funding in Farm Bill
The Organic Farming Research Foundation leads a coalition of 90 farms, organizations, institutions, and businesses urging Congress to boost organic research funding in the next Farm Bill to bolster sustainability and economic growth.
Organic Farmers Lead the Way Toward Climate-Smart Agriculture
At Lazy Eight Stock Farm, farmer Bryce Baumann has worked with local NRCS agents in Kentucky to transition to organic production, and is now implementing practices to reduce plastic use and protect soil through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program coordinated by the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK).
Updates and a Hard Look at Organic Agriculture Research in the 2024 Farm Bill
This month Gordon’s Policy Corner takes a hard look at the latest updates to the 2024 Farm Bill, the implications for organic farming research in particular, and how the Organic Farming Research Foundation is continuing to advocate for organics.
Farmer Led Trials Program Spotlight: Bob Quinn
Bob Quinn is a well-known fourth generation organic farmer growing grains in the plains of Montana. His farm grows winter wheat, alfalfa, and other grains. He is participating in OFRF's Farmer Led Trials (FLT) Program to work on developing a cold-hardy landrace winter wheat variety that's well-adapted for organic farming in the mountain west region.
7 Ways to Build Successful Research Partnerships with Organic Farmers
Are you unsure if your organic farming research is reaching the farmers who need it most? Our experienced growers have the answers! This post shares their insights on creating successful and mutually beneficial research partnerships.
OFRF Awarded USDA NRCS Cooperative Agreement
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is pleased to announce its five-year cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to enhance organic agriculture businesses' access to vital conservation programs.
Win-Win for Everyone
Keith Richards is the Chair of the OFRF Board of Directors. Here he shares what motivates him to support OFRF through annual donations and board service. And he offers a list of creative ways to donate, so that you can contribute to a "healthy agriculture that makes good use of resources and sustains life."
Farmer Led Trials Program Spotlight: Green Things Farm Collective
Nathan Lada is one of the four co-owners of Green Things Farm Collective, a diversified vegetable farm located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The farmers produce an array of fresh market vegetables and cut flowers for CSA memberships, farmers markets, small grocery and small wholesale markets. They are participating in OFRF's Farmer Led Trials (FLT) Program to experiment with different crop configurations for better production of beets and radishes.
How Research Helps Farmers
In Gordon's Policy Corner this month, we look at how agricultural research transcends boundaries between conventional and organic farming, offering invaluable insights to enhance sustainability and profitability for all growers. From economic viability to ecological vitality, explore the synergistic benefits of organic management and the critical need for continued federal funding to support agricultural resilience.
What to Know about High Tunnels for Vegetable Production in the Southeast
Based on a webinar and recent research from Dr. Xin Zhao, this post shares the importance of high tunnels for organic vegetable production in the Southeast and discusses challenges faced by growers in the region, and research outcomes related to temperature regulation, insect pressure, fogging systems, shade and light management, with recommendations for optimizing production and addressing environmental factors.
Organic Research Funding
Recent developments in the Presidential Budget Request for fiscal year 2025 (PBR25) reveal a concerning decrease in funding specifically allocated for organic-dedicated competitive grant programs. In this blog, we look at the justifications given for these policy changes, and discuss the impacts that will follow if these changes are made and why the role of organic agriculture has never been more crucial.
Farmer Led Trials Program Spotlight: Colby Farms
Tim and Becky Colby own Colby Farms, a 14 acre farm in Papillion, Nebraska, where they produce vegetables, fruits and some livestock products for their community. They are participating in OFRF's Farmer Led Trials (FLT) Program to research the best cover crop options for reducing soil compaction on their farm.
Growing Together, one year with the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program
This month Gordon’s Policy Corner reflects on a year of achievements with the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program in the West/Southwest region (TOPP-W/SW, including toolkits for accessing farmer support funding, and other resources to empower farmers transitioning to organic practices.
Beyond Buzzwords: Organic is Regenerative
The term ‘regenerative’ has gained widespread traction, but definitions vary widely. It has caught the attention of consumers interested in the impact of their food choices, and farmers and policymakers looking for ways to adapt to or mitigate climate change. But organic is already regenerative.
Organic Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Dil Thavarajah
New cultivars of pulse crops (lentils, chickpeas, and field peas) may soon be available to organic farmers! These improved varieties are under development through a project led by Dr Dil Thavarajah at Clemson State University (CSU).
