General News
Something to be Grateful For: Northeastern State Secretaries of Agriculture Send Letter to Secretary Rollins about OREI
On November 20th, the state secretaries of agriculture from Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey joined Pennsylvania Secretary Redding to submit a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, requesting unreleased FY2025 funding for the Organic Agriculture Research Extension Initiative (OREI) be included on top of new fiscal year funds for the program in FY2026.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center
Oxbow Farm and Education Center, in the Snoqualmie Valley of Washington, is a nonprofit focused on trialing climate adaptive and resilient agricultural practices. Farm manager, Anthony Reyes, is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trial Program to experiment with seeding rates of cover crop for biomass and nutrient content.
USDA NIFA Announces 2025 Organic Transitions Program Awards
This week USDA-NIFA announced seven new research project awards through the Organic Transitions Program (ORG), totaling over $6 million to support a better understanding of the processes of organic transition and the best ways to support farmers who are in that process.
OFRF Launches National Organic Farmer Survey to Shape the Future of Organic Agriculture
OFRF has launched its National Organic Farmer Survey, which is conducted every few years, to understand the challenges, priorities, and needs of organic and transitioning farmers across the country. Insights from previous surveys, including the 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), have guided farmer-led research projects, influenced university and Extension priorities, and helped policymakers direct more resources to organic producers.
Advancing Organic Agriculture: Examining How to Make the Midwest a Center of Organic Oat and Buckwheat Production with Congressman Scott Fitzgerald
Dr. Nicole Tautges is looking to small grain production in the Midwest to create big change in healthier diets, more resilient farming systems, and stronger local food economies. Her research explores how organic oat and buckwheat production can offer a more nutritious option than wheat and excel in organic crop rotation practices.
How OFRF is Building Bipartisan Support for Organic Research Programs in Congress
At a moment when the organic sector is the fastest growing segment of U.S. agriculture, the need for its fair share of research investments has never been clearer. That's why we are working hard to build bipartispan support for the Organic Science and Research Investment (OSRI) Act. Discover how the OSRI Act will support all producers.
Funding On-Farm Innovation: SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants
Learn how organic and transitioning farms can access the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program with our new step-by-step guide.
The Organic Science and Research Investment Act: What It Is and How It Benefits All Farmers
Developed with OFRF’s leadership, the bipartisan Organic Science and Research Investment (OSRI) Act—introduced by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07)—expands USDA funding for organic research that benefits all farmers and strengthens the future of American agriculture.
Addressing Challenges Farmers Face in the Great Lakes
Organic farmers face unique challenges in every part of the country. In this article, we look at challenges faced by organic farmers in the Great Lakes, and dive into resources available on the Organic Research Hub that could help farmers address them.
OFRF Announces Applications Opening for 2026 Farmer-Led Trials Program
The Organic Farming Research Foundation is excited to announce that applications are open for the next cohort of organic farmers who will be leading on-farm research trials with OFRF technical assistance in 2026.
The Government Shutdown: What it Means for Organic Farming and Research
In the midst of a government shutdown, with no clear end in sight, organic farming and research is taking a hit. A complete freeze in all federal work directly affects the nation’s programming at USDA, especially for organic producers and the agricultural research they depend on. This month’s Policy Corner breaks it down.
Two Years of Farmer-Led Trials
As we wrap up the second cohort of Farmer-Led Trials, and prepare to open applications for the third season, OFRF’s Research & Education Program Manager, Mary Hathaway reflects on the lessons, challenges, and highlights of supporting farmers in conducting their own research trials.
The Story Behind HEAL: Collective Power for Food System Change
HEAL Food Alliance is a multi-sector, multi-racial coalition dedicated to transforming food and farm systems through policy, education, and grassroots support. OFRF joined HEAL for a “Lunch and Learn” event recently, aimed at building stronger connections between our organization and others working in the food and agriculture sectors. We were inspired by the powerful work that HEAL is doing. Here are our takeaways.
School Lunches Might Look Different This Year: Federal Funding Freezes Pinch School Food Programs
For a research project, OFRF’s Policy & Communications intern, Marina Santos, dove into understanding the impact of federal funding freezes on school lunch programs, farmers growing the food, and the communities they feed.
A Trio of Comments: OFRF Chimes in on USDA Actions
At OFRF, we know that strong, transparent, and farmer-informed federal agencies are essential for the success of all U.S. agriculture, but especially organic agriculture. This month, we acted on that knowledge when we submitted three different comments on USDA actions.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: The Woven Trifecta
The Woven Trifecta, located in Western Michigan, focuses on diversified vegetables for a CSA, local farmers market, as well as farm to school sales throughout the school year. Farmer Samantha Otto, is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trial Program to experiment with using anaerobic fermentation as a soil amendment to improve crop vigor and yield.
OFRF Raises Concerns on USDA Reorganization Plan
OFRF submitted comments opposing USDA’s reorganization plan, warning it would undermine research, conservation, and farmer access to vital programs.
Advancing Organic Agriculture: Dr. Walter Goldstein on Nitrogen-Fixing Corn with Congressman Steil
Dr. Walter Goldstein’s research is proving that you can breed organic corn varieties with similar yields to conventional corn that are competitive against weeds without the need to use synthetic fertilizers or herbicides. This work has huge implications on the future of corn production, climate resilience, and food security, and Dr. Goldstein is committed to sharing his story with the policymakers who need to know.
Organic Farmers Withstand Climate Change with Living Soils and Regional Seed Breeding
Over 80 certified organic farmers collaborate on the Organic Microbiome Project, a participatory research project led by Cornell University. By analyzing shifts in soil life and plant defenses where farmers are utilizing different farming practices, insights about resiliency to the stresses caused by extreme weather may be emerging.
Farm Bill, Appropriations, and the Clock Ticking Toward September 30
This month’s Gordon’s Policy Corner comes from Vermont, where OFRF joined the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s Summer Meeting. From Farm Bill and appropriations deadlines to shifts in how Congress and the Administration work together, we break down what’s at stake for farmers, researchers, and advocates. Now is the time to connect with your representatives and USDA officials to ensure your voice is heard.
