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Returning to My Roots

Growing as an Advocate and Farmer Through My Internship with OFRF

Written by Dakota Moore. Dakota was a Research & Education Intern with OFRF for summer and fall, 2024. Here he shares a guest post reflecting on his experiences and lessons learned.

As I wrap up my internship with the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), I find myself reflecting on the wealth of knowledge, connections, and inspiration I’ve gained during this transformative experience. Serving as a Research and Education Intern has been more than just an opportunity to contribute; it’s been a chance to grow as a professional, a farmer, and an advocate for organic agriculture.

During my time at OFRF, I had the privilege of engaging with some of the most current and impactful research in the organic farming sector. Supporting the development of OFRF’s online research hub introduced me to loads of peer-reviewed studies and resources on topics ranging from soil health and water dynamics to weed suppression and innovative crop management practices. Diving into these materials not only expanded my technical knowledge but also reinforced the critical role of research in shaping sustainable agriculture.

A screenshot of Dakota Moore presenting at the Seeds of Success virtual webinar on transitioning to organic. The slide shows an image of him and his father next to an antique tractor, and lists three reasons they decided to transition their farm to organic production.I also had the unique opportunity to join OFRF’s Seeds of Success webinar series. I was a presenter in the session “Adding the O: Farmer Perspectives on Transitioning to Organic”. Sharing insights with a diverse audience of organic farmers, educators, and advocates was both an honor and a testament to how far I’ve come in my organic journey. The experience deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the organic sector while emphasizing the importance of collaboration and education.

With this wealth of knowledge, I am excited to return to my family’s operation, Moore Family Farms, as farm manager. My father and I have been working together to revitalize our farm’s legacy, established in 1833, through organic, sustainable, and regenerative practices. Armed with new strategies and resources from OFRF, I am eager to apply what I’ve learned to improve soil health, implement effective crop rotations, and strengthen our resilience against environmental challenges.

In addition to managing the farm, I am actively seeking career opportunities within the organic sector. Whether it’s through research, education, or advocacy, I want to continue contributing to initiatives that support organic farmers and advance sustainable practices. The insights I’ve gained at OFRF have ignited a passion for connecting farmers with the tools and information they need to succeed, and I’m excited to carry this forward into my next chapter.

I am incredibly thankful to the team at OFRF for their support and mentorship throughout this internship. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on organic agriculture and reaffirming my commitment to this field. From discovering new research to sharing insights in webinars, I leave this role with a deeper understanding of the organic sector and a renewed drive to make a difference.

As I return to my roots on the farm and explore new professional paths, I carry with me the lessons and inspiration gained at OFRF. To those considering a role in organic farming or advocacy, I encourage you to dive in. There’s so much to learn, share, and grow.

Here’s to a future of sustainable agriculture and organic success!

Black and white image of Dakota Moore, farmer, and former OFRF intern.

Dakota Moore

Farm Manager and Organic Advocate, Moore Family Farms

By |2024-11-24T14:58:34+00:00November 24th, 2024|News|

A Landscape Shift: Opportunities and Challenges for Organic Agriculture Under a Trump Administration

This year’s election results have brought with them a significant shift in the political landscape in Washington, which will undoubtedly influence food and agriculture policy at the federal level.  While every presidential election brings change, the dynamics of this year’s tumultuous election are particularly significant. With a Trump presidency and a solid, multi-seat Republican majority in the Senate, the USDA will likely be shaped and directed in line with the new administration’s vision. The House remains an open question, but current projections suggest the Republican majority will at least be maintained, if not strengthened.

What does this mean for the Organic Farming Research Foundation and organic agriculture at large?  We are stepping into a period of uncertainty, with many unanswered questions about Congressional priorities and the coming USDA leadership and their associated agenda. For context, during Trump’s previous presidency, the USDA’s cabinet position was last to be nominated, January 18th, 2017, suggesting that this agricultural leadership and direction may not come quickly. We must remain nimble and on our toes until we understand the priorities this new administration plans to act on.

A Potentially Hostile Funding Environment

Winter cereals, winter grains, fall cereals, fall grains, or autumn-sown grains wheat field in early spring in fog. First green shoots of winter wheat.

Over the next two years at least, we anticipate facing a very challenging financial climate in Congress. Budget allocations for agricultural research, technical assistance, and conservation funding may be targeted as an opportunity for budget cuts. The push for austerity measures could represent significant hurdles for securing the resources organic farmers and researchers need. But, even among these challenges there are potential opportunities.

One factor worth noting is the influence of Robert Kennedy Jr. on Trump’s campaign. RFK Jr. has voiced support for certain agricultural values that align with organic and regenerative organic production. It remains unclear how much sway he will hold in shaping agricultural policy, as Trump has made many unkept promises in the past. But, this alignment opens up the possibility for strong bipartisan support for organic agriculture research. Recent meetings OFRF staff have had with conservative members of Congress have revealed some exciting interest in organic agriculture. While we cannot rely on this support alone, it does represent an opportunity for expanding organic agriculture.

Our Path Forward: Advocating for Organic Farmers

Despite the uncertainty and potential funding challenges, our mission remains the same: 

“Organic Farming Research Foundation 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.“

As outlined in our new strategic plan, our policy work will continue to focus on advocating for organic farmers, and ensuring that the research programs and supports they depend on are not only preserved, but expanded. Our strategic plan emphasizes several key areas:

  • Securing Funding for Organic Research: We will continue to make the case for robust investments in organic agriculture research. The data is clear: organic practices benefit not only certified organic farmers but also conventional farmers who adopt sustainable techniques, improving soil health, reducing chemical dependency, and increasing resilience to climate change.
  • Promoting Organic as Climate-Smart Agriculture: We will work to ensure that organic systems are recognized as essential tools for climate mitigation and adaptation. Organic practices are proven to enhance carbon sequestration and conserve water, and we will highlight these benefits in discussions with policymakers.
  • Building a Lasting Bipartisan Community: We recognize that the best way to advance our priorities is through collaboration. Our strategy will include building and leveraging relationships across the aisle, making organic agriculture a bright spot in bipartisan conversations.

The potential for bipartisan support hinges on our ability to communicate the universal benefits of organic research. Research investments not only support organic certification standards but also generate best practices that conventional operations can use to reduce inputs and build healthier ecosystems. This broad appeal makes organic agriculture a rare unifier in a divisive political environment.

As we navigate this changing landscape, we call on our community to stay engaged. We will be developing a variety of ways you can get involved if you’re interested. The influence of grassroots advocacy cannot be underestimated, especially when we emphasize how organic practices contribute to healthier soils, cleaner water, and more resilient food systems for everyone. Keep an eye out for those tools and resources early next year!

Our Commitment

Regardless of the makeup of Congress or the Executive Branch, our commitment to organic farmers and sustainable agriculture will not waver. We will continue to fight for research programs and policy supports that empower farmers to adopt practices that are good for the planet and their bottom line. The winds of change in Washington sometimes shrouds our path forward, but our mission to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems remains unshakeable.

Stay tuned, stay engaged, and know that we are here, as always, working tirelessly to ensure that organic agriculture has a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation.

Eat well and breathe deeply,

Gordon

By |2024-11-08T13:08:04+00:00November 8th, 2024|Gordon's Policy Corner, News|

Farmer Led Trials Program Spotlight: Trouvaille Farm

Written by Mary Hathaway, OFRF’s Research & Education Program Manager

female organic farmer in Ohio inspects pepper plants as part of an on-farm research trial

Lindsay Klaunig, Trouvaille Farm

In the hills of Southeastern Ohio you will find Lindsay Klaunig on her farm: Trouvaille Farm. While she has been a grower for more than 20 years, this her seventh season as owner and operator of Trouvaille Farm, something that the name itself acknowledges (Trouvaille means lucky find).  

The farm landscape is a patchwork of diversity. There are grass-fed beef and goats on pasture, heirloom crops on the ridge tops and fruit trees throughout the farm. Many of the open-pollinated varieties are being grown to maturity and processed as seed crops, to be sold through small regional seed companies. 

Lindsay manages the land using regenerative, organic practices and focuses on building healthy soil, and increasing biodiversity so that she can provide nutritious food for her family and neighbors. To avoid using pesticides, there are insectaries, rows of flowering plants that attract beneficial insects, throughout the farm that naturally keep pests under control.

Open Pollinated Seeds for Climate-Resilience

As a seed grower, it is important to Lindsay to have access to varieties that are regionally-adapted and able to thrive in low-input systems. She sees the opportunity of open-pollinated seed varieties as a tool that is vital as the climate changes and modern hybrids may not have the same capacity to thrive in severe weather events. Seeds from open-pollinated varieties can be saved by the grower and selected for those that best meet the demands of their own particular climate, growing systems and market. This is ever more important for growers using organic systems, where farmers look to cover crops and compost for soil fertility rather than synthetic fertilizers.

In recent years, the extremes of heat and drought have been a major challenge for many of her long season summer crops, like tomatillos and peppers. Lindsay has been interested in trying shade cloth on her peppers to help nurture them through extreme weather conditions, but wasn’t sure if it would have a negative effect on fruit set or seed production. After learning about OFRF’s Farmer Led Trial program, she decided this would be a relatively risk averse way to see the impact of this growing practice on her harvest.

Farm trial plan

Plot map – legend S= shade; N= no shade

After considering some of the logistics of on-farm research trials with OFRF staff, Lindsay was able to develop a question that would help her decide if shade cloth would help, or hurt her seed harvest. The trial was further narrowed down to peppers. Research Questions: Will using shade cloth improve fruit set in pepper plants grown for seed? And if so, will that lead to early mature harvest and overall higher yields? 

The trial was designed as a paired comparison with the treatments being peppers that were given 35% black netting shade cloth vs. peppers that received no shade cloth. The measurements Lindsay decided upon were to weigh the fresh fruit harvested and the fresh and dried seed weight in addition to taking basic fruit quality observations. Since she often sells her peppers for seeds, rather than as fresh fruit, this was the most helpful measurement for her production practices.

Trial updates

Harvest data is almost complete, with the first harvests beginning in late September, much later than expected due to the extreme drought conditions. Once the harvests are complete, Lindsay and the OFRF staff are excited to see the results and impact of shade cloth on pepper production.

“Every season we adjust our growing methods and try out new techniques. But inevitably the season gets busy, we lose track of outcomes and end up with incomplete impressions of what worked or didn’t. With the FLT program, I had support in designing a solid project, and funds to allow me allocate time and focus to data collection and analysis.”

– Lindsay Klaunig, Trouvaille Farm

seed saving from organic pepper research trial
Trouvaille Farm farmer-led trial organic peppers
harvesting peppers for on-farm research at Trouvaille Farm in Ohio
shade net over organic peppers during on-farm research at Trouvaille Farm in Ohio

This story is part of a series profiling farmers who are taking part in OFRF’s Farmer Led Trials (FLT) program. Farmers receive technical support from OFRF to address their challenges through structured on-farm trials. To learn more about OFRF Farmer Led Trials Program, visit our website page at https://ofrf.org/research/farmer-led-research-trials/

To learn more about bell pepper research, click the following link: Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Crop as Affected by Shade Level: Fruit Yield, Quality, and Postharvest Attributes, and Incidence of Phytophthora Blight (caused by Phytophthora capsici Leon.)

To learn more about Trouvaille Farm, visit https://www.trouvaillefarm.com/

By |2024-11-08T13:12:07+00:00November 7th, 2024|Farmer Stories, FLT Highlight, News|

Charting a Bold Path Forward

OFRF’s New Strategic Plan (2024-2029)

By OFRF staff

At the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), we’ve always been guided by our commitment to fostering the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. Our mission remains at the heart of everything we do: to cultivate organic research, education, and federal policies that help bring more farmers and acreage into organic production. And now, with the approval of our 2024-2029 strategic plan, we’re more focused and energized than ever to make this vision a reality.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new five-year strategic plan, representing a significant step forward for OFRF and the organic farming community. This plan not only reinforces our commitment to fostering organic agriculture but also sets ambitious goals to broaden our community and deepen our commitment to equity. These goals will guide our efforts over the next five years, ensuring that organic farming is recognized as the leading form of agriculture, benefiting both farmers and the planet.” April Thatcher, President of OFRF’s Board of Directors and founder and farmer of April Joy Farm.

Our new strategic plan sets the course for the next five years, outlining ambitious goals that align with our mission, vision, and values. It’s a roadmap that builds on our foundation, adapts to the challenges of today, and prepares us for the future of organic farming.

Why We’re Excited About This Plan

This plan reflects who we are as an organization and what we stand for. It represents a collective effort—from staff, board members, and farmers—coming together to set priorities to move organic farming forward.

At the core of the plan are some exciting initiatives we can’t wait to share.

Supporting Farmers, Listening to Their Needs 

Farmers are at the heart of everything we do at OFRF, and our strategic plan strengthens this commitment. By regularly gathering feedback from organic and transitioning producers, we’ll launch new initiatives to directly support growers, shape research and education around their most pressing challenges, and create stronger connections between farmers, researchers, and local organizations. From creating more structured opportunities for farmers to share their insights, which will help guide our work, to new resources addressing climate threats—we’re focused on ensuring farmers have the tools they need to thrive while leading the way in building resilient, sustainable farming systems.

Advancing Climate Solutions Through Organic Practices

We know that organic farming can be a powerful tool in mitigating climate change. Our plan prioritizes efforts to expand the role of organic systems in climate resilience and sustainability. We’ll be working on campaigns and educational efforts to showcase the real-world, on-the-ground benefits of organic farming in addressing climate challenges.

Expanding Research and Education Opportunities

Over the next five years, we’re committed to expanding the availability and access to science-based resources for farmers, ranchers, and ag professionals. Our Organic Research Hub (coming soon!) will serve as a central platform for sharing innovative research and practical applications in an easy-to-use way that promotes the long-term success of organic farming systems.

Building Our Advocacy Work

We are expanding our advocacy work to ensure that the voices of organic farmers are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. We will continue to represent the needs of farmers in Washington, D.C., and in the halls of Congress, advocating for policies and USDA programs that advance organic agriculture. By doing so, we aim to create a more equitable and supportive landscape for all farmers striving to farm more sustainably.

Deepening Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Organic farming can only thrive if it’s accessible and inclusive. Our strategic plan emphasizes our responsibility to dismantle systemic barriers within agriculture and to foster a diverse and equitable food system. We’ll continue to amplify BIPOC farmer voices, increase outreach to underserved communities, and work toward a food system that benefits everyone.

What’s Next for OFRF

This plan is about more than setting goals—it’s about making meaningful change. With our new strategic priorities in place, we’re eager to roll up our sleeves and get to work on the specific actions that will drive the organic movement forward.

We’ve set ambitious goals for the next five years, and we know we’ll need the support of our community—farmers, researchers, partners, and advocates—to make them a reality. Together, we will take bold steps to ensure that organic farming not only grows but leads the way in creating healthy, resilient people, ecosystems, and economies.

“As we embark on this exciting journey with our new strategic plan, we’re committed to fostering collaboration and inclusivity within the organic farming community. Together, we can address the challenges ahead and work toward a sustainable future that benefits all farmers and our planet. We look forward to engaging with each of you as we turn our vision into action.” – Keith Richards, Chair of OFRF’s Board of Directors.

This is just the beginning, and we invite you to join us on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates as we begin to implement our plan and see the impact it will have on the future of organic agriculture.

Let’s work together to create a stronger, more sustainable future through organic farming. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about our progress and ways to support our work.

By |2024-10-28T15:46:01+00:00October 29th, 2024|News|

Planting for Resilience

Reflections on Cover Crops and the Vital Role They Play in Organic Farming

By April Thatcher, farmer at April Joy Farm and OFRF Board President

cover crop seeds including oats, radish, vetch, barley, and red clover.

Cover Crop Seed at AJF | Oats, radish, vetch, barley, and red clover.

Cover crops are a central part of balance on my Southwest Washington farm. In fact, they’re a vital tool in organic systems across the United States, helping to regenerate the soil, suppress weeds, and build resilience in the face of a changing climate. And yet, I’ll admit, for all their benefits, cover crops have been a source of some head-scratching moments for me over the years.

When I first started using cover crops, I had a lot of questions—many of the same ones I still hear from other new growers today.

  • What mix of plants will work best with my soil type, climate, and crop needs? 
  • How do I know my cover crops are adding value to my system?
  • What type of equipment do I need to manage cover crops successfully?
  • And perhaps the most common question I get from fellow farmers is: How do I transition from a lush, green cover crop to a seedbed ready for planting without disturbing the soil too much?

Organic farming is a relationship between the land and the farmer, and I think of cover cropping as one big, ongoing conversation in this relationship. It’s a journey of experimentation, observation, learning, and refining techniques year after year. Each piece of land, each crop, and each season calls for a different approach, and what works for one farmer might not work for another. 

On my farm, I’ve spent years experimenting with different cover crop mixes and timing strategies. I currently use a mix of cover crops—grasses, legumes, and broadleafs—depending on what I observe the soil needs. Legumes like peas and clover can add nitrogen to the soil, while deep-rooted crops like daikon radishes help break up compacted layers and improve soil structure. The key for me is to support functional diversity—both above and below the ground.

The Role of Cover Crops in a Living Soil System

When we treat soil as simply a medium to grow crops, we miss out on the extraordinary potential it has to regenerate life, sequester carbon, improve the nutritional value of our food, reduce off farm inputs, and to act as a buffer against the many challenges we face today. 

Cover crops are a powerful tool to help unlock this potential. These crops are not meant to be harvested but rather are grown specifically to feed the soil. When used strategically, cover crops can help reduce soil erosion, capture and recycle nutrients, promote nitrogen fixation, increase organic matter, suppress weeds, and even manage pests—all while nurturing the living, complex web of life in our soils. 

Cover crops are a critical tool in the organic farmer’s tool box to help build resilience on the ground—not just in the soil but in our entire farm ecosystem. And that resilience is more important now than ever as climate change presents erratic new challenges to farmers across the country.

Lessons from the Field: Cover Cropping in Practice

A green tree frog perched on the leaf of a kale plant in an organic farm field.

Cover Crop Kale | Sometimes, we don’t mow or turn under our market crops after we’ve finished harvesting. We underseed cover crops directly into these fields because, like cover crops, these plants continue to provide benefits for our system. Case in point- this tree frog has it made in the shade. Photo credit: Lauren Ruhe

I’ve learned over the years that there is no one “right” way to utilize cover crops. I’ve surrendered to the reality that on highly diversified operations like mine, cover cropping is always going to be a process of experimentation, observation, and refinement. What works one year might not work exactly the same the next, and that’s okay. If we are observant and committed to keeping records of our trials, we can glean important knowledge every season of the year. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress.

After eighteen years of working with cover crops on my 24 acre farm, here’s a bit of what I have gleaned – what I would tell my new-farmer-self if I could:

  • Start simple and make small adjustments to your basic cover crop plan year over year. When I first started utilizing cover crops I was overly enthusiastic. Every year I’d try a bunch of different, complex seed mixes to try and find the perfect one. That was a mistake. I wish I’d stuck with a simple mix of two or three species (grass/legume/broadleaf) for the first few years. If I had done so, and made small refinements year over year, (adjust seeding rates, sowing dates, etc.) it would have saved me time in the long run. Instead of changing way too many variables every year, I would have built up a steady, reliable mix customized to my system faster- one that incrementally added stacking benefits to my system year over year. 
  • Pick only one (or two at most) goals. I had so many needs when I started using cover crops. I had soil compaction, low nitrogen, low organic matter levels, and erosion and leaching to worry about. But starting out, I would have been better off picking just one of these to focus on addressing through the use of cover crops instead of trying to solve all of them at once. Over time, you can build on your success. But aim for the small wins, having faith they will add up over time.
  • Be mindful of your equipment and resource limits. We have hot, dry summers at my farm. So interestingly, irrigation is a big challenge for me in terms of using summer cover crop crops. Same goes for sowing fall cover crops, which I want to sow as early as I can to maximize nitrogen fixation. Even though I have the equipment to sow, cultipack and terminate them successfully, if I can’t get them to germinate without water I’m at square one. If you don’t have equipment to crimp/roll cover crops or don’t have a flail mower, make sure to be strategic about the species in your mix. Have a plan for seeding, and have a plan for terminating your cover crops that is practical for your operation.
  • Nest your cover crops into your overall crop system. Your cover cropping plan has to work within the larger context of your farm plan. Part of this means being realistic about the resources (including labor) necessary to implement your cover crop strategy (see bullet point above). Part of this means being diligent about planning your cover cropping efforts as diligently as you do crops for your market. It’s all too easy in the heat of the season to bail on your cover cropping plan because some of the details aren’t quite worked out or you didn’t order seed, etc. Be intentional about making sure your cover crop system compliments versus competes with your market crop system. At my farm, tasks for cover crop soil prep, sowing, management, monitoring, and termination tasks are all included in my annual farm plan schedule. I don’t have to think about organizing or planning anything cover crop related once the season gets started; I can focus simply on implementation. 

Every farmer who wishes to utilize cover crops successfully has specific soil health needs, goals unique to their operation, and different equipment and time constraints. So while there’s no single, universally right approach to cover cropping, we can all benefit from taking a strategic approach to working with cover crops.

Picture of summer cover crop in bloom. Includes Oats, White flowering buckwheat, orange California poppies, and purple phacelia.

Summer Cover Crop Mix | A favorite combination for warm weather. Oats, Buckwheat, Poppies and Phacelia.

Bridging Experience with Research: OFRF’s New Guide to Cover Cropping

That’s why I’m so excited to share a valuable new resource for farmers: a comprehensive organic cover cropping guide developed through OFRF’s ongoing partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This guide is designed to help farmers—whether they’re just starting out with cover crops or refining their strategies.

What makes this guide so valuable is that it’s grounded in both science and experience. It combines years of research on the benefits of cover cropping with practical, field-tested strategies from organic farmers like myself. It provides an overview of the steps for selecting cover crops, managing them through the growing season, and terminating them in a way that benefits both the soil and the farmer’s bottom line. And it offers a collection of other regionally specific resources for farmers to dive in deeper. You can also find more in depth information in OFRF’s Soil Health and Organic Farming guide to Cover Crop Selection and Management.

Whether you’re looking to improve your soil’s health, reduce off-farm inputs, support pollinators, or make your farm more resilient to climate change, cover crops can be a powerful tool in your toolkit. This guide is full of practical, research-based advice to help farmers make informed decisions about how to integrate cover crops into their systems.

By |2024-10-21T15:59:49+00:00October 21st, 2024|Farmer Stories, News|

First Frost and Federal Deadlines

A Call for Action on Congressional Investments in Organic Research

farm field with first frost of winter

Earlier this morning we had our first frost of the year here on the farm in Vermont; late for our area yet it came all the same. The arrival of frost, whether early or late, is inevitable for the Northern regions of the country, a seasonal deadline that irrevocably holds firm. The same can’t be said for the Farm Bill or the federal appropriations process, behind their deadlines by 25 months and two months, respectively. But, both of these pieces of policy face a real deadline come December. Just as frost signals the arrival of a new phase in the agricultural year, the pending deadlines for these federal actions marks a pivotal moment for the future of agricultural research, climate resilience, and conservation programming.

Why the Farm Bill and Appropriations Processes Matter

Both the Farm Bill and the federal appropriations processes are the primary drivers of agricultural research policy, especially for those interested in organic production systems. At OFRF, our core concerns are:

  • Building resiliency to both climate and supply chain disruption through organic management and more localized food systems.
  • Investing in research for organic agriculture in order to provide answers to pressing environmental and production challenges. 
  • Supporting the expansion of organic production to meet increasing market demand for organic products.
  • Making sure organic producers, and those interested in transitioning to organic production, have the research tools and opportunities needed to thrive.

Our existing Farm Bill and Appropriations Priorities still call for both legislative vehicles to authorize and then robustly fund organic agriculture research programs that our farmers so desperately need. 

Unfortunately, progress on these crucial processes has been slow, and now Congress has just a couple short months left to meet the December deadlines. A delay beyond that will have real-world impacts—stalled funding could limit the USDA’s ability to support conservation programs, climate-smart practices, and organic research that underpins a resilient agricultural system.

Like our late first frost in the NE, increased federal investment in agricultural research is long awaited. Every dollar invested in research funding generates $20 in public benefits. Despite this high return on investment, funding for agricultural research has fallen by nearly a third over the past two decades. Today, organic produce makes up more that 15% of the total market, and yet less than 2% of USDA’s research budget is allocated to organic topics, and less than 1% of the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) budget is dedicated to organic research.

An Opportunity to Act During Congressional Recesses

As we’ve highlighted before, Congressional recess is a unique opportunity for you to engage directly with your elected officials, as many will be back in their home states and districts. It’s a great time to attend town halls, community events, listening sessions, or other scheduled appearances to hear from them and, most importantly, to have your voice be heard. Organizationally, OFRF is working to bring Members of Congress to organic research fields, joining with coalitions to express our appetite for a Farm Bill now, and bringing the stories of research projects to decision makers across the federal government this Congressional Recess. 

Whether you’re a farmer, a researcher, or simply an eater, this is your chance to ask questions and emphasize the importance of strong federal support for organic agriculture research. Explain that organic agricultural research is not just for certified organic operations but benefits the entire agricultural sector by promoting climate resilience and sustainable practices. Check your local news sources for upcoming Town Halls and other events with your representatives.

Questions to ask your representatives:

  • How are they prioritizing funding for organic agricultural research in the upcoming Farm Bill and appropriations processes?
  • Will they commit to increasing investments in organic research to help meet national climate, conservation, and nutrition goals?
  • What specific steps are they taking to ensure that USDA programs support organic practices and long-term soil health?

Just as we all are noticing our signals of changing seasons in our home environments, these federal deadlines mark an important milestone for agricultural policy. December is fast approaching, and how Congress decides to act will shape the future of agricultural research for years to come. To continue the growth and success of organic agriculture and the businesses that rely on it, we need public investments that support the researchers who are answering crucial agricultural questions.

If you’re interested in getting involved or want to know more about advocating for organic research investments, please reach out to us. Let’s work together to secure a sustainable and resilient future for agriculture, one where organic practices receive the support they need to benefit all.

Eat well and breathe deeply,

Gordon

By |2024-10-10T17:48:55+00:00October 10th, 2024|Gordon's Policy Corner, News|

Farmer Led Trials Program Spotlight: A Different Chick Farm

Written by Mary Hathaway, OFRF’s Research & Education Program Manager

Tiffany Stanley, A Different Chick Farm

A Different Chick Farm is a Certified Organic family farm on just under 6 acres in Johnson City, Tennessee. Tiffany Stanley and her family began growing food for themselves as homesteaders, but saw demand from the local community. From this start in 2018, they expanded their operation into an abundant production featuring rare and heirloom fruits and vegetables, with a large focus on unique pepper varieties. Half of the farm is now a mixed orchard, planted with apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums, pears, blackberries, raspberries and more. Rounding out the offerings at this diverse farm is a flock of heritage breed chickens that are pasture raised. 

With the help of her son and husband, Tiffany grows over 300 types of peppers, mostly to create value-added products such as hot sauces, pickles, and jellies. The farm sells their pepper products and fresh produce at two local farmers markets, and a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Their homesteading spirit continues to grow, as they look to limit outside inputs into the farm and build a sustainable system with on-farm fertility management. 

Producing On-Farm Compost to Reduce Inputs

A homesteader at heart, Tiffany wanted to explore how the farm could be more self-sustaining, especially in building their soil health with on-farm inputs. She was curious if the farm could make compost that could match the yields of commercial fertilizers. Building an on-farm compost regimen could help offset much of the fertilizer cost, and decrease the environmental footprint of the farm. There were a few factors that the farm considered: would the composting demand a lot more labor, would yields remain viable? As a family enterprise, there were risks in transitioning from a known and reliable yield from commercial fertilizers to a new and untested compost system.

Farm trial plan

With technical support from OFRF, Tiffany decided to get answers and compare two different on-farm compost recipes with her usual practice of applying Harmony, a granular fertilizer (5-4-3). Tiffany wanted to put her chickens to good use, so one compost recipe she wanted to try included chicken manure as the main nitrogen source for one of her compost formulas. Her second compost recipe in the trial used clover and fresh grass clippings as the main nitrogen source. Both recipes included wood chips as the primary carbon source. 

One of her best fall cash crops is cucumbers, so the trial was designed for Socrates cucumber, transplanted out from her greenhouse to be planted in a 12×24 hoophouse in mid-September. At the time of transplanting, Tiffany would apply the different treatments: Compost recipe 1, Compost recipe 2, or the commercial fertilizer, respectively.

In farm trials, it is key to keep things consistent, so Tiffany made sure to count each plant that was transplanted so that each block had the same number of cucumber plants. Once the cucumbers begin to set fruit, she will weigh the yield as well as count the number of cucumbers from each plot. She is hopeful that the results of this trial will help her work towards building her on farm fertility plans, and keep harvests bountiful. Stay tuned for updates on the farm trial outcomes and findings this fall!

“I had a friend that was retired from NRCS tell me about the program and encouraged me to apply.  I read many of the farm trials and what the program did to help organic farming and decided it was a wonderful opportunity.  I am always looking for a better, more sustainable way to farm and was so excited to get picked for this program.”  

– Tiffany Stanley, A Different Chick Farm

This story is part of a series profiling farmers who are taking part in OFRF’s Farmer Led Trials (FLT) program. Farmers receive technical support from OFRF to address their challenges through structured on-farm trials. To learn more about OFRF Farmer Led Trials Program, visit our website page at https://ofrf.org/research/farmer-led-research-trials/

To learn more about composting and farm fertility programs check out these resources:

To learn more about A Different Chick Farm, you can find them on Instagram and Facebook or visit their website: https://adifferentchickfarm.com/

By |2024-10-10T13:09:52+00:00October 10th, 2024|Farmer Stories, FLT Highlight, News|

From Classrooms to Congress

An Intern’s Journey into Food and Agricultural Policy with OFRF

By Julia Nelson

After spending a chunk of my first year of graduate school learning about food and agricultural policy in the U.S., I began my internship at OFRF with the goal of understanding how those policy mechanisms play out in the real world for the different parties involved in the process. Over the past 12 weeks, I have welcomed the opportunity to contribute to OFRF’s advocacy work focused on increasing funding for organic research in the most important U.S. agricultural policies – the agricultural appropriations and the Farm Bill. Through this experience, I have had the chance to practice a range of policy skills such as: writing catchy and persuasive email campaigns, synthesizing complicated federal data into a leave-behind document that tells a compelling story, and engaging in conversations with coalitions and members of Congress. 

One major goal of this work is to spread awareness to Senators and Representatives on the various agricultural committees that funding organic agricultural research doesn’t just support the scientific community, but also contributes to the local economy and helps the country move closer to climate goals. Through this process, I have also been able to experience firsthand the nuts and bolts of the federal policymaking process and better understand how major political events (such as a looming presidential election) affect the pace of advocacy work. 

Another hope of mine for this internship was to develop my professional skills in a way that would prepare me for future roles at nonprofit organizations or in public service. Because of its importance in the nonprofit world,  I was interested in learning more about development and funding during my time at OFRF. I had the opportunity to help the Development team with prospect research, which meant I spent time researching and identifying foundations that were and were not a good fit for our needs. I enjoyed getting a sense of the funding landscape for organizations who work on organic agriculture and hope to continue working with grants in some capacity in my future career. 

Additionally, I had the opportunity to put the data management and analysis skills that I have acquired through various statistics and economics classes to work. I helped with a few different data projects for the Policy team and the Research & Education (R&E) team, cleaning and categorizing large amounts of data on organic research from USDA and universities. The goal of my project for the Policy team was to be able to provide an honest estimate of the amount of federal funding that has gone towards organic agricultural research. The purpose of my work for R&E was to help populate OFRF’s soon-to-be organic research hub, which aggregates educational resources on organic agriculture to provide farmers with a one-stop shop of quality information. These projects reminded me of the importance of data in storytelling, illuminated the hard work that goes into any useful website that aggregates different resources, and reminded me that I need to keep up with my Excel skills. 

Finally, on a different note, I appreciated being able to gain insight into how a remote, national organization operates and builds community. As I gear up for entering a workforce that is becoming increasingly virtual, it’s been helpful to see positive examples of how you can connect and develop relationships with coworkers without being face-to-face. I have really enjoyed the catch-ups that happen during staff meetings and our informal community-building Zoom calls. 

Looking into the future, this experience has cemented my interest in pursuing the ‘policy’ part of my MS degree in Food and Nutrition Science & Policy after I graduate. My time with OFRF has reinforced my passion for working at the intersection of climate and food systems.  As I begin the final year of my graduate program, I will be focusing my time on gaining the policy & organizational leadership skills I need to pursue a career at a government agency or nonprofit organization based in my home area of New England. I could not be more grateful to OFRF for providing me with an enriching internship experience, and also for the support and inclusivity of all of the team members I collaborated with throughout the summer.

By |2024-09-19T17:38:24+00:00September 19th, 2024|Gordon's Policy Corner, News|

Why Technical Note 12 Is Such a Big Deal

By Gordon Merrick, OFRF’s Senior Policy & Programs Manager

Versión en español a continuación.

The Need that Technical Note 12 Meets

The Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-NRCS, NRCS) has been one of the most impactful modern agencies in the adoption of conservation practices and systems in the United States. Only recently did the NRCS publish a technical note that will aid Field Agents and other Technical Service Providers (TSPs) administer these programs on organic operations. Technical Note 12 – Conservation Activities in Organic Farming Systems (Tech Note 12) provides a wealth of knowledge needed to effectively support the unique requirements of organic producers. Recently, as part of our work for the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in the West/Southwest region, we have developed a toolkit designed to raise awareness among farmers of this resource, which is now in the hands of NRCS staff and TSPs. In this blog post, we’ll briefly discuss what Tech Note 12 is, how it benefits farmers, and how it helps NRCS staff and TSPs.

What Is Tech Note 12?

A technical note, as defined by the NRCS, is an authoritative document designed to provide detailed guidance on specific technical subjects relevant to conservation planning and implementation. These documents serve as essential resources for NRCS field staff, TSPs, and producers, offering in-depth information and practical instructions to support the effective management of natural resources and address resource concerns. Technical notes are developed to address a wide range of topics, including soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and agricultural practices. They offer step-by-step procedures, best management practices, and innovative solutions to common challenges faced in the field. By standardizing and disseminating this knowledge, technical notes help ensure consistency and quality in applying NRCS conservation programs and practices.

Tech Note 12 is intended to provide all this information—as it relates to organic agricultural production. It offers detailed guidance on conservation activities that are compatible with organic standards and provides real-world examples that illustrate how conservation activities have been implemented.  

How Tech Note 12 Helps Farmers

Tech Note 12 helps organic producers articulate the conservation benefits of their practices in the language used by NRCS field agents and TSPs. This clarity is crucial for accessing NRCS programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which provide financial and technical assistance to improve farm operations.

How Tech Note 12 Helps NRCS Staff and TSPs

For NRCS field agents and TSPs, Technical Note 12 is an invaluable tool for conducting thorough assessments of organic farming operations. By referencing the document, agents can identify appropriate conservation practices that address resource concerns while complying with organic standards. This approach ensures that the proposed solutions are both effective and aligned with the unique traits of organic farming, such as soil fertility, water management, pest control, and habitat conservation.

How to Access and Use Tech Note 12

To effectively use Tech Note 12 for your organic farming practices, start by contacting your regional Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office. Your NRCS field agent can provide helpful guidance on applying the recommendations in Tech Note 12 to your conservation planning while meeting organic standards.

For additional information and resources, download our Tech Note 12 flyer here. The flyer includes a summary of Tech Note 12, practical tips for using it, and suggested questions to ask your NRCS agent. This will help you get the most out of your NRCS support and prepare for your discussion.

Don’t miss out on valuable resources like this one—subscribe to our newsletter for groundbreaking organic farming research, educational guides, and critical funding and policy updates.

Brochure of how to utilize NRCS support on organic farms (includes background information, link to Tech Note 12, features, resources).

¿Por qué es tan importante la Nota Técnica 12?

La Necesidad que Satisface la Nota Técnica 12

El Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA-NRCS, NRCS) ha sido una de las agencias más influyentes en la adopción de prácticas y sistemas de conservación en Estados Unidos. Recientemente, el NRCS publicó una nota técnica que ayudará a los Agentes de Campo y otros Proveedores de Servicios Técnicos (TSP) a administrar estos programas en operaciones orgánicas. Nota Técnica 12 – Actividades de conservación en sistemas agrícolas orgánicos (Nota técnica 12) proporciona una gran cantidad de conocimientos necesarios para apoyar de manera efectiva los requisitos únicos de los productores orgánicos. Recientemente, como parte de nuestro trabajo para el Programa de Asociación para la Transición a la Agricultura Orgánica (TOPP) en la región Oeste/Suroeste, hemos desarrollado un kit de herramientas diseñado para concienciar a los agricultores sobre este recurso, que ahora está en manos del personal del NRCS y los TSP. En esta publicación del blog, discutiremos brevemente qué es la Nota Técnica 12, cómo beneficia a los agricultores y cómo ayuda al personal del NRCS y a los TSP.

¿Qué es la Nota Técnica 12?

Una nota técnica, según lo define el NRCS, es un documento autoritativo diseñado para proporcionar orientación detallada sobre temas técnicos específicos relevantes para la planificación e implementación de conservación. Estos documentos sirven como recursos esenciales para el personal de campo del NRCS, los TSP y productores, ofreciendo información detallada e instrucciones prácticas para apoyar la gestión efectiva de los recursos naturales y abordar las preocupaciones de recursos. Las notas técnicas se desarrollan para tratar una amplia gama de temas, incluyendo la salud del suelo, calidad del agua, hábitat de la vida silvestre y prácticas agrícolas. Ofrecen procedimientos paso a paso, mejores prácticas de gestión y soluciones innovadoras a desafíos comunes enfrentados en el campo. Al estandarizar y difundir este conocimiento, las notas técnicas ayudan a garantizar la consistencia y la calidad en la aplicación de los programas y prácticas de conservación del NRCS.

La Nota Técnica 12 está destinada a proporcionar toda esta información, en lo que respecta a la producción agrícola orgánica. Ofrece orientación detallada sobre las actividades de conservación que son compatibles con los estándares orgánicos y proporciona ejemplos reales que ilustran cómo se han implementado las actividades de conservación.

Como la Nota Técnica 12 ayuda a los agricultores

La Nota Técnica 12 ayuda a los productores orgánicos a articular los beneficios de conservación de sus prácticas en el lenguaje utilizado por los agentes de campo y los proveedores de servicios de conservación del NRCS. Esta claridad es crucial para acceder a programas del NRCS como el Programa de Incentivos a la Calidad Ambiental (EQIP) y el Programa de Administración de Conservación (CSP), que de asistencia financiera y técnica para mejorar las operaciones agrícolas.

¿Cómo Ayuda la Nota Técnica 12 al Personal del NRCS y a los TSP?

Para los agentes de campo del NRCS y los TSP, la Nota Técnica 12 es una herramienta invaluable para realizar evaluaciones exhaustivas de las operaciones de agricultura orgánica. Al consultar el documento, los agentes pueden identificar las prácticas de conservación apropiadas que aborden las preocupaciones de recursos mientras cumplen con los estándares orgánicos. Este enfoque asegura que las soluciones propuestas sean tanto efectivas como alineadas con las características únicas de la, (agricultura orgánica) tales como fertilidad del suelo, manejo del agua, control de plagas y conservación del hábitat.

Cómo Acceder y Utilizar la Nota Técnica 12

Para utilizar eficazmente la Nota Técnica 12 en sus prácticas de agricultura orgánica, comience contactando a su oficina regional del Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales (NRCS) (Oficina del Servicio Regional de Conservación de Recursos Naturales (NRCS) Su agente de campo del NRCS puede ofrecerte orientación útil sobre cómo aplicar las recomendaciones de la Nota Técnica 12 en su planificación de conservación mientras cumple con los estándares orgánicos.

Para más información y recursos, descargue nuestro folleto sobre la Nota Técnica 12 aquí. El folleto incluye un resumen de la Nota Técnica 12, consejos prácticos para su uso y preguntas sugeridas para hacerle a su agente del NRCS. Esto le ayudará a aprovechar al máximo el apoyo del NRCS y prepararse para su conversación.

No se pierda recursos valiosos como este: (Suscríbase a nuestro boletín) para recibir investigaciones innovadoras en agricultura orgánica, guías educativas y actualizaciones importantes sobre financiamiento y políticas.

By |2024-09-17T20:20:40+00:00September 13th, 2024|News, TOPP West|

Organic Practices and Systems on Non-Certified Land

A Call for Insights from Split and Non-Certified Operations

Our mission at OFRF is to “foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems.” Organic certification has long been celebrated for its benefits to a variety of ecological and social systems; but we know that these benefits are not limited to fully certified organic farms. We understand that for a variety of reasons an operation will only have a portion of their land certified, or possibly forego certification entirely, but still operate as an organically-managed system. For those of you who manage operations like this, you have a unique perspective to observe and compare the impacts of organic practices across different types of land management systems.

We want to hear from producers like you about your relationship with and utilization of organic agriculture research. Research focused solely on conventional or chemical-based agriculture often cannot be applied to organic systems because it relies on inputs that are prohibited in organic farming. However, the opposite is not true: many organic practices can be beneficial for conventional farming operations as well. By understanding how split operations utilize organic principles, we can strengthen the case for increased funding in organic agriculture research that serves the entire agricultural community.

tractor driving across agricultural farm field

There are insights to gain from both split and non-certified organic operations about the benefits of organic.

Split Operations and the Potential of Organic Agricultural Systems

Split operations, where some fields are certified organic and others are managed using conventional chemistry- and genetic-based agricultural systems, provide an opportunity to offer valuable insights into the real-world application and benefits of organic farming practices and systems of management. This dual approach is a ripe opportunity for the observation of the effects of organic principles, such as cover cropping, complex crop rotations, reduced chemistry-dependance, and integrated pest management on their non-certified land. 

We’re eager to hear your experiences and results from grasping this opportunity! The potential for healthier soils, increased resiliency of ecosystems, and even reduced input/fuel/labor costs is real.

Help Us Understand the Broader Impacts of Organic Research

Do you operate a split or non-certified operation that uses organic principles and systems? Do you know someone who does? We’re trying to hear from these operations to better understand how they might be using organic research in their decision making. Their experiences can help us better understand how organic agriculture research benefits the entire agricultural system, not just certified organic producers.

Quantitative analysis already shows that organic research benefits all of agriculture by developing methods that can improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, reduce input costs, and increase resilience against climate change. These benefits are not exclusive to certified organic farms—they are valuable to all farmers who are looking for sustainable, long-term solutions. Now we need your stories to make the qualitative points that illustrate these benefits!

Your Story Matters

Time and again, we hear in Washington that appropriators are hesitant to increase budgets for organic research programming because it is seen as too “niche” or doesn’t apply to all agricultural operations. If you or someone you know has a story to tell on this topic, it will be a crucial piece in helping us demonstrate the importance of organic agriculture research for the broader agricultural landscape. 

Let’s work together to ensure that the benefits of organic agriculture are fully understood and leveraged for the good of all farming systems! Please reach out at gordon@ofrf.org.

Eat well and breathe deeply,

Gordon

By |2024-09-09T19:07:52+00:00September 9th, 2024|Gordon's Policy Corner, News|
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