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OFRF in Texas: A Researcher and Extension Regional Meetup, in the Heat!

By Maia Garby, Research & Education Junior Fellow

This summer, OFRF staff members converged in San Marcos, Texas to attend the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems (SFFFS) Conference.

Despite the 100+ degree weather, farmers, ranchers, researchers, technical service providers, and organic consumers from across the state and beyond congregated at Texas State University for several days of learning, networking, and discussion.

As part of OFRF’s ongoing efforts to facilitate relationship-building and collaboration between individuals working within the organic sector, OFRF’s Rebecca Champagne (Conservation Scientist) and Maia Garby (Research & Education Junior Fellow) co-facilitated a Researcher and Extension Regional Meetup (RERM) at the conference.

What are the Researcher and Extension Regional Meetups (RERMs), and why are they important?

Researcher and Extension Regional Meetups (RERMs) are dedicated spaces for researchers, extension personnel, and technical service providers to network at regional agricultural conferences. These unique sessions were developed in response to feedback from organic researchers that (1) meeting other organic researchers/professionals within a region can be difficult, and (2) organic research is frequently left out of broader ag conversations.

These meetups provide a structured space and time for organic professionals, as well as those interested in organic, to:

Connect and exchange contact information;
Learn from one another about ongoing research projects;
Hear from technical service providers about the challenges currently being faced by organic producers in the region;
Identify knowledge and policy gaps;
Brainstorm future collaborations;
…and so much more!

Farmers are also welcome and encouraged to attend, as these sessions provide an excellent opportunity to meet local service providers and potentially connect with university researchers looking for organic farmers to participate in on-farm research trials.

Rebecca Champagne (left) and Maia Garby (right) setting up for the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems (SFFFS) Conference Research and Extension Regional Meetup in San Marcos, Texas, August, 2026.

How does a RERM work?

Every RERM begins with introductions and refreshments, followed by short federal policy updates. Policy updates may cover topics including: (1) how/when to apply for federal research grants through the USDA’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and Organic Transitions Program (ORG), (2) Farm Bill and/or Agriculture Appropriations updates, and (3) participant advocacy opportunities, such as OFRF’s free, virtual Communicating with Legislators Course.

Afterwards, the floor is opened for structured networking, during which attendees may be sectioned into smaller groups. Participants are provided with a short list of prepared discussion questions to guide conversation, although they are encouraged to use these questions as launching points for deeper, more personalized discussions.

Sample discussion questions from the Texas RERM included:

What research projects are you or your colleagues currently working on (or recently completed)? What are some of the biggest takeaways from this work?

What are some of the most common production/non-production challenges that organic producers in your region deal with? Are there knowledge gaps pertaining to these challenges?

Where would you like to take your research next, and what resources would you need to make that happen? Is there a realistic collaboration within this room?

The Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems (SFFFS) RERM is the third of these unique sessions to take place in 2026. Other RERMs were conducted earlier this year, at the High Plains Organic Conference (Cheyenne, WY) and the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference (La Crosse, WI), bringing together a combined 30+ organic researchers and professionals.

Small-group discussions at the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems (SFFFS) Conference Research and Extension Regional Meetup in San Marcos, Texas, August, 2026.

A Snapshot of the SFFFS RERM: Who Attended, & What Was Discussed?

The Texas RERM attracted a variety of attendees, including researchers and extension staff from Texas A&M University, Tuskegee University, and Prairie View A&M University, business owners, and technical service providers from the USDA, but the majority were farmers.

As it turns out, most of these farmers were not certified-organic, although many had experience with sustainable and/or regenerative management practices. Their reasons for attending the session were to learn more about the organic sector (i.e., What separates a ‘certified organic’ farm from a non-certified farm that uses organic practices? What is the process for obtaining an organic certification, and what resources and/or funding are available for farmers beginning the transition to organic?).

In response to the farmer-driven attendance and interest in organic-sector resources, a portion of the discussion was spent presenting the resources available to organic/transitioning producers through the OFRF Homepage and the Organic Research Hub & Extension Directory.

Additionally, attendees were eager to learn more about how to conduct on-farm research. Two attendees had recently developed a commercial, organic soil amendment and were interested in finding farmers or university researchers to collaborate with for field-level product trials. Several others were farmers struggling to manage weeds on their farm without using synthetic products, and were curious in trialling alternative weed management strategies. These comments led to a discussion about OFRF’s Farmer’s Guide to Conducting On-Farm Research, as well as the Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) Program.

Conclusion

One of the most meaningful takeaways from the conference was that there is substantial interest among farmers, regardless of organic certification, in conducting on-farm research and trialling alternative agricultural practices (i.e. regenerative, organic).

Farmers are professional problem-solvers, whose observations and curiosity about their cropping systems form the foundation for farmer-led research. In Texas, it was evident that the demand for farmer-led research funding, support, and skill-building is there. Farmers want to know how to put their observation-based questions to the test, but need funding and technical assistance in order to do so.

Farming is a difficult profession, but it benefits when we foster collaboration among everyone in the agriculture sector. Organic production in particular has many complexities that require systems-based research and recommendations. Events like these Researcher and Extension Regional Meetups can help create a strong, active network of individuals and advance organic research and farming.

In addition to these RERMs, OFRF is now offering direct support to organic researchers and extension specialists with our Organic Research Amplification Services.

To stay up-to-date with the latest organic farming news, research updates, and opportunities for advocacy, sign-up to receive the OFRF newsletter at https://ofrf.org/get-involved/receive-news/!

By admin|2026-09-01T12:04:13-04:00September 1st, 2026|News|

Two Oʻahu Farmers Share Wins & Challenges Accessing CSP Support

(Versión en español a continuación / Spanish version below)

Written by Mary Elizabeth Kidd, OFRF Communications Associate

OFRF is currently working to increase farmer and community awareness of the federal funding opportunities available to organic and transitioning farms.

As part of our work with the West region of the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), we’re spotlighting two Hawaiʻi farms—Maigee Chang of Farm of the Fearless Monkey and Timothy Clark of Sunshine Farm Foundation—that received funding and support through the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Their story offers a transparent look at what it’s really like to work with NRCS: the benefits, the obstacles, and the lessons they’ve learned. We hope other farmers can use their experience to navigate the process of applying for and implementing CSP contracts more easily.

Meet Maigee Chang of Farm of the Fearless Monkey

Farmer Maigee Chang smiling at her farm.

Source: Terri Dux, NRCS

Location: Kailua, Hawaiʻi (island of Oʻahu, Honolulu County)

Established: 2017

Acres: 2.25

Production: Okra, eggplant, pumpkin, ginger, turmeric, roselle/hibiscus, and perennials: ulu, dragonfruit, papaya, citrus, cacao, lilikoi, and jackfruit

Certification: Uses organic practices

Staffing: 2 volunteers (in exchange for living quarters)

Markets: CSA, a local organic grocery store, restaurants, and Facebook Marketplace; ulu is sold to a chip company

Social media: Instagram

Read more: Growing Organic at the Farm of the Fearless Monkey from the USDA’s Farmers.gov blog.

Meet Timothy Clark of Sunshine Farm Foundation

Farmer Timothy Clark and his family on a motorized cart transporting sugar cane.

Source: Sunshine Farm Foundation

Location: Mokulēʻia, Hawaiʻi (island of Oʻahu, Honolulu County)

Established: 2020

Acres: 15

Production: Mangoes, bananas, ulu, citrus, avocados, plus grazing animals including sheep, pigs, goats

Certification: Uses organic practices, not yet certified

Markets: Bananas are marketed through a neighboring farmer’s CSA

Social media: Facebook

About the Farmers

Maigee Chang (Farm of the Fearless Monkey) has lived in Hawaiʻi for over 30 years and came into her farming career after working at the intersection of local politics and agriculture, where she met farmers and attended farming workshops.

As her passion for farming grew, she found the land that would become Farm of the Fearless Monkey and set about getting the training and support she needed.

Maigee began her journey through the University of Hawaiʻi’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources program: GoFarm Hawaiʻi, where she connected with farmers, mentors, and Extension agents, and continued to strategically plug into support systems.

Source: Sunshine Farm Foundation

The entrance to Sunshine Farm Foundation.

Timothy Clark (Sunshine Farm Foundation) was born and raised in Florida and moved to Oʻahu in 2012, where he started farmwork via permaculture and permablitz projects, working in community and volunteering to plant food and forestry yardscapes in Hawaiʻi.

In 2020, he and his partners acquired the 15-acre land site, which they continue to develop to provide education and, eventually, food for those experiencing hunger. Their first farm, established in 2018, focused on education and permaculture practices.

Their current property is structured as a tenants-in-common ownership model with 27 farming plots and the goal of one day becoming an organic farming zone. Working with CSP has represented a supportive bridge in the journey towards wider production and becoming USDA-certified organic.

We recently spoke to Maigee and Tim about their experience as organic farmers navigating NCRS support systems. Below, we’re sharing the conversation and their valuable insight.

Why Organic?

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): I don’t like spraying, and I don’t want any of that near my workers or me. Also, chemicals are very expensive.

I trained with OMRI-approved products; I’m comfortable using those, and they’re a lot simpler. I mainly use soap, neem, and BT (Bacillus thuringiensis, organic pest control); if something’s awry, I pull the plant and toss it. We do a lot of crop rotations and companion planting, and I’ve seen the effect of that. With mulching and healthy soil, my plants are stronger.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): Growing up, my father was a medical doctor who later moved into alternative medicine, focusing on supporting patients who had cancers with organic diets and homeopathic treatments. We always ate organic foods. When I started farming, I didn’t think that there was another way.

And working with the permaculture crew and kind of learning that methodology, and getting into agroforestry, you know, it was never a question of whether or not to use organic treatments for pests or fertilization.

We try to use permaculture and agroforestry designs that make pest management easier, such as attracting beneficial insects and utilizing native plants. This is where NRCS has been helpful.

Context & Challenges

Perennial peanut cover crop growing on a hillside.

Source: Farm of the Fearless Monkey

Perennial peanut cover cropping at Farm of the Fearless Monkey.

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): The constant pest is the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), so we’re trying to address that using various techniques. We do netting around the crown of the tree, we keep our mulch piles covered and rotate them at least every two months, and send the chickens in to scratch through.

We’re in a spot that hasn’t been hit too hard by the recent flooding; the water flows off of our area. Those storms came when we were doing cover crop, which helped the cover crop, and we didn’t lose anything. The vetiver (cover crop) is great and stopped everything from a massive flow.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): We had about 100 coconut trees wiped out by the coconut rhinoceros beetle. So we’re doing a pilot program to see if we can control the beetle with about 60 dwarf coconuts in high tunnels with netting (supported by EQIP).

We had about three or four storms this spring (2026), which caused a lot of damage to our property. That said, we’re in a drought area on the island, and water supply and power are a concern.

Our main focus is planting drought-tolerant crops. Water can go out for several days when they’re fixing lines, so we’ve signed up for a backup storage and water-pump program through NRCS.

Working with NRCS

Application Process

Source: Farm of the Fearless Monkey

EQIP-funded hoop house with mulching at Farm of the Fearless Monkey.

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): From working with the agriculture committee and then as secretary of the Waimānalo chapter of the Hawaii Farmers Union, I was familiar with NRCS representatives. I got a hoop house through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and then we started working on a conservation plan.

Getting through the CSP application process was straightforward. I knew what I wanted to do, it was covered by the program, and my CSP agent walked me through everything. It’s been a smooth process; she sends me documents and deadline reminders, so it feels manageable.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): I found CSP through research and initially found it difficult to navigate until I connected with the first in a series of very helpful representatives who helped me begin a windbreak program and subsequent plans. You have to persevere. Our first contract phase was three years ago; now we’re in the second year of our second contract.

Implementation

A row of banana trees and shrubs with fencing.

Source: Sunshine Farm Foundation

A row of banana trees and shrubs serves as a windbreak to protect crops at Sunshine Farm Foundation.

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): We’re doing mulching and cover cropping and crop rotation, paid in bulk at the end of every year. For mulching, it was a five-year contract; payment started at $2,000 a year, then jumped to $4,000. Cover cropping started as a three-year contract, which has been renewed. The reimbursements mainly help cover labor costs for practices I’d do anyway.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): Our CSP contract includes $6,000 per year for five years ($4,000 cropland and $2,000 homestead), and practices include perennial cover crop (Bermuda grass) and establishing a native forestry zone.

We’re getting compost reimbursements (paying only for the delivery charges), and we have a contract to mulch over our orchard. It’s been great. And I was able to get a tree trimmer as well.

Outcomes & Challenges

Source: Farm of the Fearless Monkey

Mulching and labor was covered by CSP contract at Farm of the Fearless Monkey.

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): My soil is amazing right now. The plants are really happy. Mulching has reduced water use, and soil testing showed a pH shift from acidic to alkaline, which changed my fertilizer approach.

One big challenge is soil testing, not just getting the tests, but shipping them to the mainland (Oregon) in refrigerated/cooler boxes within 24 hours, and the airport where we ship them from is almost an hour away. If we could do that locally, it would save a lot of hassle.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): We get support from everyone at NRCS, they’re great! They’ve really helped us navigate programs.

I am in a predicament, however, because when they came out to inspect, even though I had the animals and I had the orchard, we were categorized as orchard-only, meaning I can’t transition to my original plan of getting the animal management care, such as internal grazing fencing.

So we missed something there and can’t go back or risk losing the program and having to reapply. So we’ll complete the contract as is and then apply for this longer-term plan.

Advice to Farmers

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): If farmers are considering applying for CSP, you should totally do it. One, because it’s good practice. And two, it’s a good program. For a farm of my size, it wasn’t that complicated.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): When you’re preparing the paperwork, be sure to think long term. Consider the next five years and what may need to be a part of your application.

I also recommend applying with as comprehensive a plan as possible, including multiple conservation practices, to potentially give your application a higher ranking and likelihood of success.

And don’t forget outreach to other farmers, we have to share what programs we’re benefiting from.

Next Steps & Resources

Interested in transitioning your farm for organic certification in the West/Southwest or beyond? Explore these key resources and connect with mentors, certifiers, and Technical Support Providers (TSP) near you.

Download a printable summary of the key takeaways for farmers to consider when applying to NRCS CSP in English (click here) and Spanish (click here).

Locating Support Providers and Mentors:

Organic Farming Research Foundation resources:

USDA resources:

Connect with OFRF:

Download Takeaways Factsheet

Dos agricultores de Oʻahu comparten sus logros y desafíos al acceder al apoyo del CSP del NRCS

Por Mary Elizabeth Kidd, asociada de comunicaciones

La OFRF trabaja actualmente para aumentar la conciencia de los agricultores y las comunidades sobre las oportunidades de financiamiento federal disponibles para las granjas orgánicas y en transición hacia lo orgánico.

Como parte de nuestro trabajo con la región Oeste del Programa de Alianzas para la Transición a lo Orgánico (Transition to Organic Partnership Program, TOPP) del USDA, destacamos dos granjas de Hawaiʻi —Maigee Chang, de Farm of the Fearless Monkey, y Timothy Clark, de Sunshine Farm Foundation— que recibieron financiamiento y apoyo a través del Programa de Administración de la Conservación (Conservation Stewardship Program, CSP) del Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales (NRCS).

Su historia ofrece una mirada transparente de lo que realmente implica trabajar con el NRCS: los beneficios, los obstáculos y las lecciones aprendidas. Esperamos que otros agricultores puedan aprovechar su experiencia para transitar más fácilmente el proceso de solicitar e implementar los contratos del CSP.

Conozca a Maigee Chang, de Farm of the Fearless Monkey

Source: Terri Dux, NRCS

Ubicación: Kailua, Hawaiʻi (isla de Oʻahu, condado de Honolulu)

Fundada: 2017

Superficie: 2.25 acres

Producción: Okra, berenjena, calabaza, jengibre, cúrcuma, roselle/hibisco, y perennes: ulu (fruta del pan), pitahaya, papaya, cítricos, cacao, lilikoi (maracuyá) y yaca

Certificación: Usa prácticas orgánicas

Personal: 2 voluntarios (a cambio de alojamiento)

Mercados: Agricultura apoyada por la comunidad (CSA), una tienda local de comestibles orgánicos, restaurantes y Facebook Marketplace; el ulu se vende a una empresa de snacks (chips)

Redes sociales: Instagram

Lea más: Growing Organic at the Farm of the Fearless Monkey del blog Farmers.gov del USDA.

Conozca a Timothy Clark, de Sunshine Farm Foundation

Source: Sunshine Farm Foundation

Ubicación: Mokulēʻia, Hawaiʻi (isla de Oʻahu, condado de Honolulu)

Fundada: 2020

Superficie: 15 acres

Producción: Mangos, plátanos, ulu (fruta del pan), cítricos, aguacates, además de animales de pastoreo como ovejas, cerdos y cabras

Certificación: Usa prácticas orgánicas, aún no certificada

Mercados: Los plátanos se comercializan a través de la CSA (agricultura apoyada por la comunidad) de un agricultor vecino

Redes sociales: Facebook

Sobre los agricultores

Maigee Chang (Farm of the Fearless Monkey) ha vivido en Hawaiʻi por más de 30 años y llegó a su carrera agrícola tras trabajar en la intersección entre la política local y la agricultura, donde conoció a agricultores y asistió a talleres de agricultura.

A medida que crecía su pasión por la agricultura, encontró el terreno que se convertiría en Farm of the Fearless Monkey y se dedicó a conseguir la capacitación y el apoyo que necesitaba.

Maigee comenzó su camino a través del programa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources de la University of Hawaiʻi: GoFarm Hawaiʻi, donde se conectó con agricultores, mentores y agentes de Extensión, y siguió integrándose estratégicamente a los sistemas de apoyo.

Timothy Clark (Sunshine Farm Foundation) nació y creció en Florida y se mudó a Oʻahu en 2012, donde comenzó el trabajo agrícola mediante proyectos de permacultura y permablitz, trabajando en comunidad y como voluntario para plantar alimentos y paisajes forestales en Hawaiʻi.

Source: Sunshine Farm Foundation

Entrada a Sunshine Farm Foundation.

En 2020, él y sus socios adquirieron el terreno de 15 acres, que siguen desarrollando para brindar educación y, con el tiempo, alimentos para las personas que padecen hambre. Su primera granja, fundada en 2018, se centró en la educación y las prácticas de permacultura.

Su propiedad actual está estructurada como un modelo de propiedad en común (tenants-in-common) con 27 parcelas de cultivo y la meta de convertirse algún día en una zona de agricultura orgánica. Trabajar con el CSP ha representado un puente de apoyo en el camino hacia una mayor producción y hacia obtener la certificación orgánica del USDA.

Hablamos recientemente con Maigee y Tim sobre su experiencia como agricultores orgánicos al desenvolverse en los sistemas de apoyo del NRCS. A continuación, compartimos la conversación y sus valiosas reflexiones.

¿Por qué orgánico?

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): No me gusta fumigar y no quiero nada de eso cerca de mis trabajadores ni de mí. Además, los productos químicos son muy caros.

Me capacité con productos aprobados por OMRI; me siento cómoda usándolos y son mucho más simples. Uso principalmente jabón, neem y BT (Bacillus thuringiensis, control orgánico de plagas); si algo anda mal, arranco la planta y la desecho. Hacemos muchas rotaciones de cultivos y siembra asociada, y he visto el efecto de eso. Con el acolchado (mulch) y un suelo sano, mis plantas son más fuertes.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): Cuando yo crecía, mi padre era médico y luego se pasó a la medicina alternativa, enfocándose en apoyar con dietas orgánicas y tratamientos homeopáticos a pacientes con cáncer. Siempre comíamos alimentos orgánicos. Cuando empecé a cultivar, no pensé que hubiera otra manera.

Y trabajando con el equipo de permacultura y aprendiendo esa metodología, y adentrándome en la agrosilvicultura, nunca fue cuestión de si usar o no tratamientos orgánicos para las plagas o la fertilización.

Procuramos usar diseños de permacultura y agrosilvicultura que facilitan el manejo de plagas, como atraer insectos benéficos y utilizar plantas nativas. Aquí es donde el NRCS ha sido de ayuda.

Contexto y desafíos

Source: Farm of the Fearless Monkey

Cultivo de cobertura de maní perenne en Farm of the Fearless Monkey.

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): La plaga constante es el escarabajo rinoceronte del cocotero (coconut rhinoceros beetle, CRB), así que intentamos enfrentarlo con varias técnicas. Colocamos malla alrededor de la corona del árbol, mantenemos cubiertas nuestras pilas de acolchado (mulch) y las rotamos al menos cada dos meses, y metemos a las gallinas para que escarben.

Estamos en un lugar que no ha sido muy afectado por las inundaciones recientes; el agua se escurre de nuestra zona. Esas tormentas llegaron cuando estábamos sembrando cultivo de cobertura, lo que benefició al cultivo de cobertura, y no perdimos nada. El vetiver (cultivo de cobertura) es excelente y frenó todo de un flujo enorme.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): El escarabajo rinoceronte del cocotero acabó con unos 100 cocoteros. Así que estamos realizando un programa piloto para ver si podemos controlar el escarabajo con unos 60 cocoteros enanos en túneles altos con malla (financiado por el EQIP).

Tuvimos unas tres o cuatro tormentas esta primavera (2026), que causaron muchos daños a nuestra propiedad. Dicho esto, estamos en una zona de sequía de la isla, y el suministro de agua y de electricidad es una preocupación.

Nuestro enfoque principal es plantar cultivos tolerantes a la sequía. El agua puede cortarse por varios días cuando reparan las tuberías, así que nos inscribimos en un programa de almacenamiento de reserva y bombeo de agua a través del NRCS.

Trabajar con el NRCS

Proceso de solicitud

Source: Farm of the Fearless Monkey

EQIP-invernadero financiado por el EQIP con acolchado. Foto cortesía de Farm of the Fearless Monkey.

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): Por trabajar con el comité de agricultura y luego como secretaria del capítulo de Waimānalo del Hawaii Farmers Union, ya conocía a los representantes del NRCS. Obtuve un invernadero a través del EQIP, y luego empezamos a trabajar en un plan de conservación.

Superar el proceso de solicitud del CSP fue sencillo. Sabía lo que quería hacer, estaba cubierto por el programa y mi agente del CSP me guio en todo. Ha sido un proceso fluido; ella me envía documentos y recordatorios de fechas límite, así que se siente manejable.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): Encontré el CSP investigando y al principio me resultó difícil de manejar, hasta que me contacté con el primero de una serie de representantes muy serviciales que me ayudaron a iniciar un programa de cortavientos (windbreak) y planes posteriores. Hay que perseverar. Nuestra primera fase de contrato fue hace tres años; ahora estamos en el segundo año de nuestro segundo contrato.

Implementación

Source: Sunshine Farm Foundation

Una hilera de plátanos y arbustos sirve de cortavientos para proteger los cultivos. Foto cortesía de Sunshine Farm Foundation.

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): Estamos haciendo acolchado, cultivo de cobertura y rotación de cultivos, que se pagan en conjunto al final de cada año. El acolchado fue un contrato de cinco años; el pago comenzó en $2,000 al año y luego subió a $4,000. El cultivo de cobertura empezó como un contrato de tres años, que se ha renovado. Los reembolsos ayudan principalmente a cubrir los costos de mano de obra de prácticas que yo haría de todos modos.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): Nuestro contrato del CSP incluye $6,000 al año durante cinco años ($4,000 para tierras de cultivo y $2,000 para la propiedad familiar), y las prácticas incluyen un cultivo de cobertura perenne (pasto Bermuda) y el establecimiento de una zona forestal nativa.

Estamos recibiendo reembolsos de compost (pagando solo los cargos de entrega), y tenemos un contrato para aplicar acolchado sobre nuestro huerto. Ha sido estupendo. Y también pude conseguir una podadora de árboles.

Resultados y desafíos

Source: Farm of the Fearless Monkey

Acolchado y mano de obra cubiertos por el contrato del CSP. Foto cortesía de Farm of the Fearless Monkey.

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): Mi suelo está increíble en este momento. Las plantas están muy contentas. El acolchado ha reducido el uso de agua, y los análisis de suelo mostraron un cambio de pH de ácido a alcalino, lo que cambió mi enfoque de fertilización.

Un gran desafío son los análisis de suelo: no solo hacer las pruebas, sino enviarlas al continente (Oregon) en cajas refrigeradas o con hielera dentro de las 24 horas, y el aeropuerto desde donde las enviamos está a casi una hora. Si pudiéramos hacerlo localmente, nos ahorraría muchas complicaciones.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): Recibimos apoyo de todo el personal del NRCS, ¡son excelentes! De verdad nos han ayudado a desenvolvernos en los programas.

Sin embargo, estoy en un aprieto, porque cuando vinieron a inspeccionar, aunque yo tenía los animales y el huerto, nos clasificaron solo como huerto, lo que significa que no puedo pasar a mi plan original de obtener el cuidado del manejo de animales, como el cercado interno para pastoreo.

Así que se nos escapó algo ahí y no podemos retroceder, o correríamos el riesgo de perder el programa y tener que volver a solicitar. Por eso completaremos el contrato tal como está y luego solicitaremos este plan de más largo plazo.

Consejos para los agricultores

Maigee (Farm of the Fearless Monkey): Si un agricultor está considerando solicitar el CSP, definitivamente debería hacerlo. Primero, porque es una buena práctica. Y segundo, porque es un buen programa. Para una granja de mi tamaño, no fue tan complicado.

Tim (Sunshine Farm Foundation): Cuando esté preparando la documentación, asegúrese de pensar a largo plazo. Considere los próximos cinco años y lo que podría necesitar incluir en su solicitud.

También recomiendo presentar la solicitud con un plan lo más completo posible, que incluya varias prácticas de conservación, para dar potencialmente a su solicitud una mejor clasificación y mayor probabilidad de éxito.

Y no olvide difundir la información entre otros agricultores; tenemos que compartir de qué programas nos estamos beneficiando.

Próximos pasos y recursos

¿Le interesa hacer la transición de su granja para la certificación orgánica en la región Oeste/Suroeste o más allá?

Explore estos recursos clave y conéctese con mentores, certificadores y Proveedores de Apoyo Técnico (Technical Support Providers, TSP) cerca de usted.

Descargue un resumen imprimible con los puntos clave que los agricultores deben tener en cuenta al solicitar el programa CSP del NRCS.

Cómo localizar proveedores de apoyo y mentores:

Recursos de la Organic Farming Research Foundation:

Recursos del USDA:

Conéctese con la OFRF:

Descargar Hoja Informativa

By admin|2026-09-02T16:39:53-04:00July 29th, 2026|Farmer Stories, Insects & Diseases, News, On-Farm Research, TOPP West|

Social Media & Engagement Intern

Mary Nascimento (she/her) brings a background in agricultural communications and digital marketing, with experience helping family farms, organic researchers, and sustainable agriculture nonprofits tell stories that connect with their audiences. She earned a degree in Agricultural Communication with a minor in Agribusiness from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she also spent several years working at the university’s certified organic farm, one of the most rewarding, valuable experiences of her professional life.

Outside of work, Mary enjoys art and design, reading a good book, and spending time on the California coast. She joined OFRF as the Social Media & Engagement Intern in 2026.

By admin|2026-07-27T10:17:51-04:00July 27th, 2026|Interns, Uncategorized|

OFRF NIFA Organic Programs Evaluation Report

This report, commissioned by NIFA and conducted by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, evaluates the impacts of the OREI and ORG programs over a seven-year period, FY 2015-2021. The evaluation includes analysis on awards by institution type, priority area, commodity focus, and alignment with farmer-identified challenges. The findings of this report reveal that OREI projects addressed USDA legislative priorities through advances in soil health, pest management, and crop breeding, emphasizing practical, scalable solutions that contribute to ecosystem stability and production resilience, and ORG-funded projects made significant strides in supporting ecological services and site-specific solutions for transitioning farms.

This report is a component of a project funded through a three-year cooperative agreement between USDAʼs National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF). This agreement was initiated by NIFA and did not use any program funds from the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) or Organic Transitions (ORG) appropriations. Instead, NIFA used internal administrative funds to cover all project activities. As a cooperative agreement, rather than a standard competitive grant, the parties worked collaboratively to accomplish project goals. However, the authors acted independently in developing findings, conclusions and drafting the report.

Download the Report

By admin|2026-07-24T10:29:09-04:00July 23rd, 2026|Advocacy|

Think Like a Certifier, Lean on a Mentor: Support and Resources for the Organic Certification Journey

Written by Mary Elizabeth Kidd, OFRF 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.

The goal of these sessions is to give regional farmers a platform to share knowledge and ask questions on the organic certification process.

OFRF recently hosted an Organic 101 Seeds of Success for the Northwest region. The first half of the webinar was geared toward extension agents and technical service providers (TSPs), and the second half featured a farmer-led panel discussion. The call began with OFRF team members sharing what those without organic expertise need to know: the basics of organic, the National Organic Program (NOP) standards, and compliance basics.

The three farmer-panelists for this call were April Thatcher of April Joy Farm in Washington, Diane Green of Greentree Naturals in Idaho (a Northwest TOPP mentor), and Beth Hoinacki of Goodfoot Farm in Oregon, whose current role as an organic farmer and past role as an organic certifier brought well-rounded expertise on navigating the certification process.

These farmers hold over 80 years of collective experience and expertise in organic farming and certification, and the message they shared was unanimous: you simply cannot do it alone.

When it comes to the rigorous process of organic certification, it’s essential to: 1) lean on other organic farmers, mentors, and TSPs, and 2) you must know your WHY for organic farming and become an expert on your farm’s organic systems and the certification process.

Read on as we share key takeaways from the panel discussion. To listen or watch the session, click here (the farmer panel begins around minute 39:15).

Meet the Farmers

Source: Odeani Baker, Courtesy of Oregon Tilth

Beth Hoinacki of Goodfoot Farm

Where: Philomath, Oregon (Benton County)

Established: late 1990s

Certification: Demeter Certified Biodynamic® since 2012, previously Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

Acres: 5

Markets: Farmers’ markets, CSA, restaurants

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram

Read more: Goodfoot Farm: Conservation Champion from Oregon Tilth

Source: April Joy Farm

April Jones Thatcher of April Joy Farm

Location: near Ridgefield, Washington (Clark County)

Established: 2006

Certification: Washington State Department of Agriculture Certified Organic since 2007

Acres: 24

Markets: Farmers’ markets, CSA, restaurants

Source: Greentree Naturals

Diane Green of Greentree Naturals Farm

Location: Sandpoint, Idaho (Bonner County)

Established: 1990

Certification: USDA Certified Organic for over 30 years

Acres: 1

Markets: Weekly on-site farm stand

Social Media: Facebook

Why Organic?

April Jones Thatcher (April Joy Farm): It made a lot of sense to think about the farm as a living and biological system. Then, if I put my business hat on, it really was market differentiation for us, since there were very few certified organic farms in my county.

And personally, there was a lot of joy to farm in a way that didn’t require me to handle toxic pesticides, to really get my hands in the living soil.

Diane Green (Greentree Naturals Farm): Organic is the only way I’ve ever grown. I started growing an organic garden in 1970. So, for me, it’s making the commitment to support organic certification; it was just a natural thing as far as motivation, to hold true to the integrity of what organic certification stands for.

We have new customers and longtime customers who have been with us for 25 years and are frequently saying, “Thank you for being certified organic.” That keeps us growing, and we’ll keep going with that.

Beth Hoinacki (Goodfoot Farm): We’ve been on our farm for 30 years. We were first certified organic in 2009 and then certified biodynamic in 2012. I’ve worked on organic farms for most of my life and actually worked in certification before I started my own farm, so that was super helpful in the certification process and has also just helped with our general farming approach.

Think Like a Certifier: Record-Keeping = Business Planning

Beth (Goodfoot Farm): [As a former organic and biodynamic certifier], I knew a lot about certification before I got into it so nothing surprised me.

One of the most challenging aspects of engaging in certification is that the National Organic Program (NOP) standard is essentially one-size-fits-all. So you need to understand how the standard works and what parts are more challenging for your size farm. Small or large, organic farms are subject to the same kind of regulatory and recordkeeping requirements.

Diane (Greentree Naturals Farm): The paperwork is extensive and when I’m mentoring farmers who are transitioning to become organic, I’m helping them understand the expected documentation and how partnering that with your business plan can help you manage your business in a much more holistic way—looking at the big picture and fine-tuning it to meet all the documentation that’s required.

It makes a big difference if you’ve got a mentor or a partner helping walk you through that process.

April (April Joy Farm): Understanding the language, documentation, and the steps of what an organic system plan entails can be daunting unless you have an adviser, a mentor, or somebody who’s been through it who can really help translate some of that jargon.

As a small business owner, there’s a lot of information being asked of you, so you want to make sure you understand how it’s going to be used. You want to be honest and represent your operation realistically and you want to make sure you get a sense of how this information gets tracked.

>> Read more: Explore the first in our Seeds of Success series in From Conventional to Certified, where Lynn Schaal of Life Springs Farm in Twin Falls, Idaho, shared a record-keeping hack that kept his inspections less stressful. (Spoiler: Lynn digitally scans ALL applications, receipts, and documentation using an app like Genius Scan.)

Find Support: People & Resources

Beth (Goodfoot Farm): Other farmers are your number one source. Especially local grower networks. I can’t emphasize it enough. And I would also say our university extension agents, because they’re involved with local growers and networks, so they have really relevant information.

And thirdly, I would say some of the other technical service providers (NRCS, for example), but I think you need to be careful. I had the experience early on of TSPs that were promoting hot new sustainable practices that didn’t really work for me. When you enter into these relationships, have the information that’s really relevant to your operation.

April (April Joy Farm): I would add that certifying agencies have been helpful too, in my experience–shout out to the Washington State Department of Ag–they have been a great resource and have a lot of expertise. They obviously can’t provide you with recommendations, but certifiers can help you understand the documents and recordkeeping that’s required.

It really is about that network.

Diane (Greentree Naturals Farm): I’m forever grateful to have established relationships and partnerships with the University of Idaho extension in the very beginning, around 1997, when we worked together to develop the first sustainable, small-acreage farming organization in the Inland Northwest. That was the farmers working side-by-side with extension to come up with what that would look like. It was always the farmers working with extension to look at what we need and what’s there.

Personally, I think empowering the next generation of sustainable and certified organic growers is the best thing we have to offer, and I’ll keep doing it for as long as I’m able.

We farmers want to learn from farmers, and we need to do what we can to promote partnerships with extension to be allies that serve our communities very well.

Next Steps & Resources

Interested in transitioning your farm for organic certification in the Northwest or beyond?

Explore these key resources and connect with mentors, certifiers, and Technical Support Providers (TSP) near you.

Locating Support Providers and Mentors:

Organic Farming Research Foundation resources:

USDA resources:

Connect with OFRF:

By admin|2026-07-06T14:51:17-04:00July 6th, 2026|Certification & Compliance, Farmer Stories, News|

Financial Options for Your Farm: Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loans

Versión en español a continuación.

Access to affordable financing is one of the biggest barriers organic and transitioning farmers face. Whether you’re looking to buy land, cover certification costs, or simply keep your operation running through a tough season, knowing where to turn for capital can make all the difference.

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers a range of low-interest loan programs designed for farmers like you and can help you secure better rates through a commercial lender. Unfortunately, many of these programs go underutilized simply because farmers don’t know they exist. Let’s fix that. If you’re just starting out or looking to grow your farm, there’s likely an FSA loan designed for your situation.

Download FSA Farm Loans Summary Flyer

Descargar folleto informativo

Which FSA loan is right for me?

The FSA offers various loan types tailored to specific farming operations, circumstances, and experiences. Read through the list below to find an FSA loan that best suits your needs. You can also use FSA’s free Loan Assistance Tool.

Operating Loans.

Short-term financing for the everyday costs of starting, maintaining, and strengthening a farm or ranch.

Uses: Purchasing essential items like livestock, poultry, farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance, and other operating expenses; Covering costs related to minor improvements, family living expenses, and refinancing certain debts; Covering certification costs, approved organic inputs, and the cash flow gaps during the transition period for USDA-certified or transitioning organic producers.
Can be issued directly from FSA, or FSA can guarantee a loan from a commercial lender for a larger line of credit.
- Maximum loan amount: $400,000.

Farm Ownership Loans.

Long-term financing to buy, expand, or improve a farm or ranch.

Uses: Regular loans, joint financing, or down payment options for purchasing land, essential farm improvements, or soil and water conservation and protection.
Can be issued directly from FSA, or FSA can guarantee a loan from a commercial lender for a larger line of credit.
- Maximum loan amount: $600,000 ($300,150 for Beginning Farmer Down Payment).

Climate-Smart Agriculture Farm Loans.

Financing specifically for organic-aligned practices and equipment that reduce environmental impact. Site under review as of 5/20/2025.

Uses: Investing in climate-smart practices and equipment, like the establishment of rotational grazing systems, precision agriculture equipment, or machinery for conversion to no-till residue management.
Can be issued directly from FSA, or FSA can guarantee a loan from a commercial lender for a larger line of credit. Loan amounts:
- Direct Farm Ownership Loans: Up to $600,000.
- Direct Operating Loans: Up to $400,000.
- Guaranteed Loans: Up to $1,825,000.
- Microloans: Up to $50,000.

Emergency Loans.

Loans to aid farmers who have been impacted by a federally declared natural disaster or national emergency.

Uses: Restoring/replacing property, reorganizing a family farm; Refinancing non-real estate debts; Assisting with production costs or family living expenses.
Direct loans through FSA.
- Maximum loan amount: $500,000, but the amount a loan applicant may receive is limited to the actual production or physical loss caused by the disaster.

Youth Loans.

Small loans for young people (14–20 years old) for projects in connection with 4-H clubs, FFA, Tribal youth groups, or similar agricultural youth organizations.

Uses: Purchasing livestock, seed, equipment, supplies, or paying operating expenses for the project.
Maximum loan amount: $10,000

Operating and Farm Ownership Loans for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers.

Loans with more favorable terms specifically for farmers new to the industry. To see if you qualify as a beginner farmer or rancher, read the definition here.

Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment Loan

Uses: Covering a down payment on a farm for beginning farmers who can’t finance the full purchase alone.
Can be issued directly from FSA, or FSA can guarantee a loan from a commercial lender for a larger line of credit.
- Maximum Loan Amount for a “regular” Direct Farm Ownership loan: $600,000.
- Maximum Loan Amount for a Joint Financing or Participation Farm Ownership: $600,000.
- Maximum Loan Amount for a Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment loan amount works differently. The maximum loan amount under this loan program will not exceed 45 percent of whichever is the lesser amount of:
  - the purchase price;
  - the appraised value of the farm being purchased; or
  - $667,000.

Indian Land Acquisition Program.

For federally recognized Indigenous farmers and tribal members looking to purchase land within their reservation boundaries for agricultural use.

Maximum Loan Amount: No specified maximum loan amount; the amount is based on the tribe’s financial needs and repayment ability.

Highly Fractionated Indian Land Loan Program (HFIL).

For tribal members and entities looking to purchase or consolidate reservation land for agricultural use.

Uses: Purchasing fractionated land with the intention to reduce fragmentation and promote more effective land management, agricultural productivity, and economic development within tribal areas.
Maximum Loan Amount: $500,000 per applicant.

Microloans.

Microloans are for small, beginning farmers, niche, and non-traditional farm operations that may not qualify for or need a full FSA loan. There are two types of microloans:

Operating Microloans

- Uses: Essential tools; Fencing and trellising; Hoop houses; Bees and bee equipment; Milking and pasteurization equipment; Maple sugar shack and processing equipment; Livestock, seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, family living expenses, and other materials essential to the operation; Irrigation; GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), GHP (Good Handling Practices), and Organic certification costs; Marketing and distribution costs, including those associated with selling through Farmers’ Markets and Community Supported Agriculture operations; Pay for qualifying OSHA compliance standards (Federal or State)
- Maximum Loan Amount: Operating Microloans provide up to $50,000 per loan.

Direct Farm Ownership Microloan

- Uses: Making a down payment on a farm; Building, repairing, or improving farm buildings, service buildings, farm dwellings; soil and water conservation projects. May also be used as a Downpayment Farm Ownership Loan or in Joint Financing.
- Maximum Loan Amount $50,000, which includes any possible outstanding FSA Direct Operating or Farm Ownership unpaid principal loan balances. A loan applicant may have a Guaranteed Operating loan, Farm Ownership loan or Emergency loan and still qualify for a Microloan.

All of this information is summarized in a printable, downloadable PDF below, available in English and Spanish.

How to Apply for an FSA Loan

Step 1. Find your local FSA office.

All FSA loans, whether direct or guaranteed, are processed through your local FSA county office. Find your local office here.

Step 2. Schedule a meeting.

Call or visit your local office to discuss which loan types fit your situation. Bring any records you have about your farm operation, finances, and land.

Here are some questions to consider:

I’m interested in [loan type]. What do I need to bring to get started on an application?
Am I eligible for any loans with more favorable terms as a beginning, socially disadvantaged, or veteran farmer?
Can I apply for more than one loan type at the same time?
What is the repayment timeline for this loan?
Is funding currently available, and is there a better time of year to apply?

Step 3. Create a business plan.

If you’re applying for a direct FSA loan or a commercial loan guaranteed by FSA, you’ll need a business plan. This doesn’t have to be intimidating! A farm business plan is essentially a clear picture of your operation, goals, and finances. FSA wants to see that you’ve thought through how your farm works and how you’ll repay the loan.

Your detailed business plan should cover:

Your mission, vision, and goals for your farm or ranch.
Your current assets (property or investments you own) and liabilities (debts, loans, or payments you owe).
What your operation will produce, and how and where you will market and sell your products.
- This is sometimes referred to as a marketing plan.
Whether the amount of income your operation will generate will be enough to pay your business and family living expenses.
For organic and transitioning producers, it’s worth being specific about your certification status or timeline, your expected transition costs, and how your marketing strategy accounts for the organic price premium.

FSA provides a step-by-step business plan builder to help you get started.

Step 4. Gather your documents.

Your loan officer will tell you exactly what’s needed, but commonly required documents include:

Government-issued ID.
Tax returns (typically 3 years).
Farm financial statements or records.
Proof of land ownership or lease agreement.
Business plan.
Organic certification or transition plan, if applicable.

Step 5. Submit your application.

Applications can be submitted directly through FSA or, for guaranteed loans, through a commercial lender. Your loan officer will guide you through this.

Apply directly with FSA

Apply with a commercial lender guaranteed by FSA

Step 6. Follow up.

Processing times vary by loan type. Stay in contact with your loan officer and respond quickly to any requests for additional information.

All of this information is summarized in a printable, downloadable PDF below, available in English and Spanish.

All of this information is summarized in a printable, downloadable PDF in English and Spanish below.

Download FSA Farm Loans Summary Flyer

Descargar folleto informativo

El acceso a financiamiento asequible es una de las mayores barreras a las que se enfrentan los agricultores orgánicos y en transición. Ya sea que busque comprar terrenos, cubrir los costos de certificación o simplemente mantener su operación en funcionamiento durante una temporada difícil, saber a dónde acudir para obtener capital puede marcar la diferencia.

La Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas (FSA) del USDA ofrece una variedad de programas de préstamos a bajo interés diseñados para agricultores como usted y puede ayudarle a conseguir mejores condiciones de financiamiento a través de un prestamista comercial. Desafortunadamente, muchos de estos programas se usan poco simplemente porque los agricultores no saben que existen. Vamos a ayudar a cambiar eso. Si acaba de empezar o quiere hacer crecer su granja, probablemente haya un préstamo FSA diseñado para su situación.

¿Qué préstamo FSA es el adecuado para mí?

La FSA ofrece diversos tipos de préstamos adaptados a operaciones agrícolas específicas, circunstancias y experiencias. Lea la lista a continuación para encontrar el préstamo FSA que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades. También puedes utilizar gratuitamente la herramienta de asistencia para préstamos de FSA.

Préstamos operativos. (Operating Loans)

Financiamiento a corto plazo para los costos diarios de iniciar, mantener y fortalecer una granja o rancho.

Usos: Compra de artículos esenciales como ganado, aves, maquinaria agrícola, alimentos para animales, semillas, combustible, productos químicos agrícolas, seguros y otros gastos operativos; Cubrir costes relacionados con mejoras menores, gastos familiares y refinanciamiento de ciertas deudas; Cubrir los costos de certificación, insumos orgánicos aprobados y las carencias de flujo de caja durante el periodo de transición para productores orgánicos certificados o en transición por el USDA.
Puede emitirse directamente desde FSA, o FSA puede garantizar un préstamo de un prestamista comercial para una línea de crédito mayor.
- Monto máximo del préstamo: 400.000 dólares.

Préstamos para propiedad agrícola. (Farm Ownership Loans)

Financiamiento a largo plazo para comprar, ampliar o mejorar una granja o rancho.

Usos: Préstamos regulares, financiamiento conjunto u opciones de pago inicial (down payment) para la compra de tierras, mejoras agrícolas esenciales o conservación y protección del suelo y el agua.
Puede emitirse directamente desde FSA, o FSA puede garantizar un préstamo de un prestamista comercial para una línea de crédito mayor.
- Importe máximo del préstamo: 600.000 $ (300.150 $ para el pago inicial de agricultores que están iniciando).

Préstamos agrícolas para agricultura inteligente y climática. (Climate-Smart Agriculture Farm Loans)

Financiamiento específico para prácticas y equipos alineados con lo orgánico que reduzcan el impacto medioambiental. La información sobre este programa estaba en revisión al 20 de mayo de 2025.

Usos: Invertir en prácticas inteligentes para el clima y equipos, como el establecimiento de sistemas de pastoreo rotativo, equipos de agricultura de precisión o maquinaria para sistemas de cultivo con labranza reducida o sin labranza (no-till).
Puede emitirse directamente desde FSA, o FSA puede garantizar un préstamo de un prestamista comercial para una línea de crédito mayor.

Montos de los préstamos:

Préstamos directos de propiedad agrícola: hasta 600.000 dólares.
Préstamos directos operativos: hasta 400.000 dólares.
Préstamos garantizados: hasta $1,825,000.
Microcréditos: hasta 50.000 dólares.

Préstamos de emergencia. (Emergency loans)

Préstamos para ayudar a agricultores que han sido afectados por un desastre natural declarado a nivel federal o una emergencia nacional.

Usos: Restauración/reemplazo de propiedades, reorganización de una granja familiar; Refinanciamiento de deudas no inmobiliarias; Ayudar con los costos de producción o los gastos familiares.
Préstamos directos a través de FSA.
- Importe máximo del préstamo: 500.000 $, aunque la cantidad que puede recibir un solicitante está limitada a las pérdidas reales de producción o daños físicos causados por el desastre.

Préstamos para jóvenes. (youth loans)

Pequeños préstamos para jóvenes (14–20 años) para proyectos relacionados con clubes 4-H, FFA, grupos juveniles tribales u organizaciones juveniles agrícolas similares.

Usos: Compra de ganado, semillas, equipos, suministros o el pago de los gastos operativos del proyecto.
Cantidad máxima del préstamo: $10.000
- Préstamos de explotación y propiedad agrícola para agricultores y ganaderos nuevos. (Operating and Farm Ownership Loans for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers.) Préstamos con condiciones más favorables específicamente para agricultores nuevos en la industria. Para ver si calificas como agricultor o ganadero nuevo, lea la definición aquí.

Préstamo de Pago Inicial por Propiedad Directa de Operaciones Agrícolas

Usos: Cubrir un pago inicial en una granja para agricultores nuevos que no pueden financiar la compra completa por sí solos.
Puede emitirse directamente desde FSA, o FSA puede garantizar un préstamo de un prestamista comercial para una línea de crédito mayor.
- Monto máximo del préstamo para un préstamo “regular” de propiedad directa agrícola: 600.000 dólares.
- Cantidad máxima del préstamo para una propiedad agrícola de financiamiento conjunto o participación: 600.000 dólares.
- Monto máximo del préstamo para un préstamo de propiedad directa de una granja con pago inicial funciona de forma diferente. La cantidad máxima del préstamo bajo este programa no superará el 45 por ciento de la cantidad menor de:
  - el precio de compra;
  - el valor tasado de la granja que se estaba adquiriendo; o
  - $667.000.

Programa de Adquisición de Tierras Indígenas. (Indian Land Acquisition Program)

Para agricultores indígenas reconocidos a nivel federal y miembros tribales que buscan comprar tierras dentro de los límites de su reserva para uso agrícola.

Cantidad máxima del préstamo: No se especifica una cantidad máxima del préstamo; La cantidad se basa en las necesidades financieras y la capacidad de pago de la tribu.

Programa de Préstamos para Tierras Indias (HFIL) altamente fraccionadas.

Para miembros y entidades tribales que buscan comprar o consolidar tierras de la reserva para uso agrícola.

Usos: Compra de tierras fraccionadas con la intención de reducir la fragmentación y promover una gestión más eficaz de la tierra, productividad agrícola y desarrollo económico dentro de las áreas tribales.
Monto máximo del préstamo: $500.000 por solicitante.

Microcréditos. (Microloans)

Los microcréditos son para pequeños agricultores nuevos, operaciones agrícolas especializadas y no tradicionales que pueden no calificar o necesitar un préstamo FSA completo. Existen dos tipos de microcréditos:

Microcréditos operativos

- Usos: Compra de herramientas esenciales; instalación de cercas y sistemas de espaldera; construcción o adquisición de invernaderos tipo túnel (hoop houses); compra de abejas y equipo apícola; adquisición de equipos de ordeño y pasteurización; construcción, equipamiento y procesamiento relacionados con la producción de jarabe de arce; compra de ganado, semillas, fertilizantes y otros materiales esenciales para la operación agrícola; pago de servicios públicos, arrendamiento de tierras y gastos básicos de manutención familiar; instalación o mejora de sistemas de riego; pago de los costos de certificación GAP (Buenas Prácticas Agrícolas), GHP (Buenas Prácticas de Manejo) y certificación orgánica; costos de mercadeo y distribución, incluidos los relacionados con la venta en mercados de agricultores (Farmers’ Markets) y programas de Agricultura Apoyada por la Comunidad (CSA); y cubrir los costos necesarios para cumplir con las normas de seguridad y salud ocupacional (OSHA) (federales o estatales)
- Monto máximo del préstamo: Los microcréditos operativos proporcionan hasta $50.000 por préstamo.

Micropréstamo de propiedad directa de la operación agrícola

- Usos: Hacer un pago inicial en una granja; Construir, reparar o mejorar edificios agrícolas, edificios de servicio, viviendas agrícolas; proyectos de conservación de suelo y agua. También puede utilizarse como Préstamo de Propiedad Agrícola con pago inicial o en Financiamiento Conjunto.
- Monto máximo del préstamo: $50.000, que incluye cualquier posible saldo pendiente pendiente de préstamos principales de operación directa o propiedad agrícola de la FSA. Un solicitante de préstamo puede tener un préstamo operativo garantizado, un préstamo de propiedad agrícola o un préstamo de emergencia y aún así calificar para un micropréstamo.

Cómo solicitar un préstamo FSA

Paso 1. Busque su oficina local de FSA.

Todos los préstamos de la FSA, ya sean directos o garantizados, se procesan a través de la oficina local de la FSA correspondiente a su condado. Encuentre su oficina local aquí.

Paso 2. Programe una reunión.

Llame o visite su oficina local para hablar sobre qué tipos de préstamos se adaptan a su situación. Lleve cualquier registro que tenga sobre su operación agrícola, finanzas y tierras.

Aquí tiene algunas preguntas a considerar:

Me interesa [tipo de préstamo]. ¿Qué necesito llevar para empezar con una solicitud?
¿Soy elegible para algún préstamo con condiciones más favorables como agricultor nuevo, socialmente desfavorecido o veterano?
¿Puedo solicitar más de un tipo de préstamo al mismo tiempo?
¿Cuál es el plazo de devolución de este préstamo?
¿Hay financiamiento disponible actualmente y hay una mejor época del año para solicitar?

Paso 3. Cree un plan de negocio.

Si solicita un préstamo directo de FSA o un préstamo comercial garantizado por FSA, necesitará un plan de negocio. ¡Esto no tiene por qué ser intimidante! Un plan de negocio agrícola es esencialmente una imagen clara de su operación, objetivos y finanzas. FSA quiere asegurarse de que ha pensado bien cómo funciona su granja y cómo vas a devolver el préstamo.

Su plan de negocio detallado debe cubrir:

Su misión, visión y objetivos para su granja o rancho.
Sus activos actuales (propiedades o inversiones que posee) y sus pasivos (deudas, préstamos o pagos que debe).
Qué producirá su granja, y cómo y dónde comercializará y venderá sus productos.
- Esto a veces se denomina plan de marketing.
Si la cantidad de ingresos que generará su operación será suficiente para cubrir los gastos de su negocio y familia.
Para productores orgánicos y en transición, conviene ser específico sobre el estado o el calendario de la certificación, los costos de transición previstos y cómo su estrategia de marketing tiene en cuenta la prima del precio orgánico.

FSA ofrece un generador de planes de negocio paso a paso para ayudarle a empezar.

Paso 4. Reúna los documentos necesarios.

Su oficial de préstamos le dirá exactamente lo que se necesita, pero que es habitualmente los documentos incluyen:

Identificación emitida por el gobierno.
Declaraciones de impuestos (generalmente de los últimos 3 años)
Estados financieros o registros agrícolas
Comprobante de propiedad de la tierra o contrato de arrendamiento.
Plan de negocio.
Certificación orgánica o plan de transición, si corresponde.

Paso 5. Envíe su solicitud.

Las solicitudes pueden presentarse directamente a través de la FSA o, para préstamos garantizados, a través de una institución financiera comercial. Su oficial de préstamos le orientará durante todo el proceso.

Paso 6. De Seguimiento a su solicitud.

Los tiempos de procesamiento varían según el tipo de préstamo.

Manténgase en comunicación con su oficial de préstamos y responda rapidamente a cualquier solicitud de información adicional.

Toda esta información se resume en un PDF imprimible y descargable a continuación, disponible en inglés y español.

Toda esta información se resume en un PDF imprimible y descargable a continuación, disponible en inglés y español.

front cover of OFRF's FSA factsheet (Spanish version)

Descargar folleto informativo

front cover of OFRF's FSA factsheet (English version)

Download FSA Farm Loans Summary Flyer

By admin|2026-08-03T10:47:33-04:00June 25th, 2026|Federal Assistance, News, Spanish Resources|

An Organic Pest and Weed Management Guide for Extension Agents and Technical Service Providers (TSPs).

This factsheet is meant to provide extension agents and technical service providers in the south with an overview of organic pest and weed management, and increase knowledge of organic systems to effectively support organic and transitioning-to-organic farmers.

Download the Factsheet

Prefer to listen? Watch our Organic Pest and Weed Management for Extension Agents in the South webinar.

Pest and weed pressure is one of the most significant challenges facing organic producers — affecting crop yields, product quality, and the economic sustainability of farming operations. In the hot, humid conditions of the southern region, these pressures are especially intense, making effective, NOP-compliant management strategies essential knowledge for anyone advising farmers in the field.

This 75-min session is designed specifically for extension agents, technical service providers (TSPs), and others who support organic and transitioning farmers in the South. Presenters walk through the most common insects, diseases, and weeds found across the SSARE region — from armyworm and root-knot nematode to pigweed and nutsedge — and connect that regional context to the pest management requirements outlined in the National Organic Program. Drawing on research conducted in the South, the session focuses on practical, science-backed strategies that extension agents and TSPs can bring directly to the farmers they serve, covering approaches to weed management, insect and disease control, and the “many little hammers” IPM framework that underpins organic production.

By admin|2026-08-11T11:36:15-04:00June 11th, 2026|Certification & Compliance, Insects & Diseases, Resource|

Brands, Farm Groups, and Research Organizations Call for Organic Research Support in the Farm Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2026 — The Organic Farming Research Foundation, International Fresh Produce Association, Organic Farmers Association, the Organic Trade Association, and the National Organic Coalition are proud to have led a letter sent to the Senate Agriculture Committee today about the importance of supporting organic research, specifically the Organic Agriculture Research Extension Initiative (OREI) and the Organic Transitions Program (ORG), in the Farm Bill.

These National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) programs are the only two dedicated organic research programs under the USDA. OREI is the flagship competitive grant program dedicated to organic agricultural research. It supports research, education, and extension programs that enhance the ability of established organic producers and processors to grow and market high-quality products. ORG awards competitive grants to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those who are adopting organic practices, through research, extension, and higher education. Both programs are critical to advancing innovation, productivity, and long-term competitiveness within the organic market, projected to grow from $76.6 billion in 2025 to over $100 billion by 2030. They also produce valuable resources for non-organic farmers interested in adopting organic practices.

The Senate Farm Bill will build off the progress the House Farm Bill made for organic research, most notably, reauthorizing OREI and providing first-time authorization for the Organic Transitions Program, which was renamed to the Researching the Transition to Organic Program (RTOP). The latter was a great accomplishment because the program was previously receiving funding as an unauthorized program. Since OREI is already a Farm Bill-derived program, this means that both dedicated organic research programs are now tied to the Farm Bill, and any changes to either program must effectively be done through the once-in-five-year legislative vehicle.

The letter was supported by major brands, such as Mondelez Global LLC, Driscoll’s, Organic Valley, Stoneyfield Organic, and United Natural Foods, Inc.. It was also supported by a wide array of farm groups and research organizations, such as the Texas International Produce Association, the “Tri-Societies”, Society of Nematologists, and Arizona State’s Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems. Of course, there was also great support from organic groups across the country, like the Iowa Organic Association, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, California Certified Organic Farmers, the Northeast Organic Farming Association-Interstate Council, and others. All of this shows that there is broad acknowledgment across the food and agricultural space that more dedicated organic research is needed to ensure organic farmers have the best tools and practices to capitalize on the explosive growth in the organic market.

View the sign-on letter.

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About Organic Farming Research Foundation
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, with a remote team based across the U.S., 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. For more information about OFRF, please visit our website: www.ofrf.org.

Media Contact:
Ashley Dulaney, Communications Director, OFRF
ashley@ofrf.orf, ‪(518) 310-6771‬‬
P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061

By admin|2026-06-09T09:49:27-04:00June 9th, 2026|News, Press Release|

Farm Bill Victories, Coalition Building, and Fighting USDA Restructuring

By Vinnie Trometter, OFRF Policy Manager

With the Senate Farm Bill now taking shape and USDA restructuring moving forward, there is a lot at stake for organic farmers and researchers right now.

OFRF remains on the frontlines of organic research policy in Washington, D.C. On April 30th, the House of Representatives passed its version of the Farm Bill. We published a blog post shortly after explaining the victories for organic research that we fought for, including reauthorization of the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and the first-time authorization of the Organic Transitions Program (ORG), which would be renamed the Researching the Transition to Organic Program (RTOP).

With eyes now on the Senate, we spearheaded a coalition letter, co-led by the Organic Farmers Association, Organic Trade Association, International Fresh Produce Association, and the National Organic Coalition, urging the Senate to increase funding for OREI and RTOP in its version of the Farm Bill. This was one of the strongest letters we have ever led, bringing together nontraditional organic allies from the specialty crop, livestock, and research communities to make the case that increased funding for both programs is essential to meeting the research demands of a rapidly growing organic market.

Finally, we continue to monitor the proposed restructuring of USDA’s research, education, and economics agencies and the potential closure of the Beltsville Agriculture Research Station. We are deeply concerned about this plan and are working with the broader agricultural research community to prevent and mitigate its worst impacts.

There are two ways you can help right now—and both are free and take less than a minute. Tell Congress to stop the USDA restructuring plan, and tell your Senator to support organic research in the Farm Bill. Your voice matters.

By admin|2026-06-10T11:07:38-04:00June 8th, 2026|News, Policy Corner|

An Organic Pest and Weed Management Guide for Extension Agents and Technical Service Providers (TSPs).

This factsheet is meant to provide extension agents and technical service providers in the west with an overview of organic pest and weed management, and increase knowledge of organic systems to effectively support organic and transitioning-to-organic farmers.

Download the Factsheet

Prefer to listen? Watch our Organic Pest and Weed Management for Extension Agents in the West webinar.

In this 75-minute session, presenters will walk through the most common insects, diseases, and weeds found across the WSARE region — from apple maggot and wheat stem sawfly to kochia and field bindweed — and connect that regional context to the pest management requirements outlined in the National Organic Program. Drawing on research conducted in the West, the session will focus on practical, science-backed strategies that extension agents and TSPs can bring directly to the farmers they serve, covering approaches to weed management, insect and disease control, and the “many little hammers” IPM framework that underpins organic production.