Ashley Dulaney

About Ashley Dulaney

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Ashley Dulaney has created 18 blog entries.

TOMI: Organic Management and Improvement of Tomatoes

Building on previous research (TOMI Phase I), the Tomato Organic Management and Improvement – TOMI Phase II project integrates soil microbiome research, induced systemic resistance, and farmer-participatory breeding to develop disease-resistant, flavorful tomatoes for organic systems. Microbial biofungicides and organic amendments support healthy soils while reducing pathogen risks. Advanced breeding lines show promise for regional adaptation and market-ready quality. Download the full report to learn more about tomato varieties and soil-based disease management strategies.

By |2026-01-16T11:40:03-05:00December 15th, 2025|On-Farm Research, Plant Breeding & Variety Selection, Resource|
Read More

Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture: Leveraging On-Farm and Below-Ground Networks

The Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) project develops carrot varieties suited to organic systems, using farmer-participatory trials and soil microbiome research. These efforts improve disease resistance, nutrient uptake, flavor, and market traits. Advanced breeding lines include orange, purple, red, and yellow carrots with improved resilience and quality. Download the full report to learn more about these varieties and on-farm research insights.

By |2026-01-16T11:42:14-05:00December 15th, 2025|On-Farm Research, Plant Breeding & Variety Selection, Resource|
Read More

Demystifying the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) for Farmers

Organic producers and processors must follow strict standards to become certified—but who decides what is and isn’t allowed on organic farms? Not your certifier! The USDA National Organic Program (NOP), in consultation with the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), sets these rules.

In 2024, the National Organic Coalition (NOC) hosted a Seeds of Success virtual session for organic and transitioning farmers, where a panel of farmers and advocates demystified the NOSB. Panelists explained the Board’s role in shaping organic standards, how decisions are made, and how written and oral comments can influence outcomes.

Panelists included Steve Ela (Former NOSB Chair, NOC NOSB Specialist, Ela Family Farms, CO), Harriet Behar (Former NOSB Chair, NOC Advisor, OFA Farmer Services Consultant, Sweet Springs Farm, WI), and Amy Bruch (Current NOSB Vice Chair, Cyclone Farms, NE).

screenshot of mp4 recording of Demystifying the NOSB webninar
By |2025-12-15T15:12:56-05:00December 15th, 2025|Certification & Compliance, Resource|
Read More

Strategies for Identifying and Navigating Organic Markets

The Seeds of Success series brings farmers together for peer-to-peer networking and discussion. In this session, three women organic farmers share their experiences growing markets for organic products, followed by Q&A and breakout sessions to exchange ideas.

Topics covered include identifying market opportunities, developing strategies for organic products, and overcoming common challenges. This webinar provides actionable insights from real-world farm experiences.

Farmer presenters include:

Watch the full recorded session to hear directly from farmers and gain strategies you can apply to your own operation.

By |2026-01-16T11:46:14-05:00December 15th, 2025|Marketing, Resource|
Read More

Introduction to Crop Insurance for Organic and Transitioning Producers

Crop insurance can help protect your farm from weather- and market-related losses. This guidebook provides an overview of crop insurance options, coverage, record-keeping, and working with insurance agents, with a focus on organic and transitioning producers.

You’ll also find practical worksheets for field locations, crop rotations, sales records, and income and expense tracking—all designed to support organic certification requirements. By integrating crop insurance into your farm’s risk management plan, you can increase resilience and protect your operation. Download the full guide to explore all coverage options, worksheets, and strategies for organic and transitional farms.

By |2026-01-16T11:48:40-05:00December 15th, 2025|Federal Assistance, Resource|
Read More

Taking Stock of USDA Organic Research Investments 2002–2014

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) reviewed 189 USDA-funded organic research, education, and extension projects supported by the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and Organic Transitions (ORG) programs from 2002 to 2014. With $142.2 million invested, these projects advanced knowledge on soil health, crop and livestock management, pest and disease control, and plant breeding.

Farmers were actively engaged in on-farm trials, field days, and advisory roles, ensuring research addressed real-world challenges. Outcomes included new cultivars, management practices, manuals, and digital resources, with many projects laying the groundwork for long-term innovations.

OFRF’s assessment underscores the importance of sustained federal funding, producer engagement, and targeted dissemination to maximize the impact of organic research. Download the full report to explore detailed findings, recommendations, and examples of projects that have shaped modern organic farming.

By |2026-01-16T11:58:19-05:00December 15th, 2025|Advocacy, Resource|
Read More

Impacts of OFRF’s Grant Program on Organic Farming Research (2006–2014)

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has supported organic agriculture through targeted research funding since 1990. From 2006 to 2014, OFRF awarded 106 grants totaling $1.45 million to advance research in pest management, plant breeding, disease control, and weed management.

OFRF grants have strengthened the careers of early-stage scientists, enabled follow-on funding, and helped translate research into practical solutions for farmers. Many projects involved farmers as partners, ensuring results address real-world challenges and are quickly adopted.

Grants were funded in 25 states, with emphasis on regions experiencing rapid organic growth. OFRF’s grant program has expanded scientific knowledge, promoted sustainable practices, and supported collaboration between researchers and farmers, which continues to drive the growth of organic agriculture.

By |2026-01-16T12:01:17-05:00December 15th, 2025|On-Farm Research, Resource|
Read More

Soil Microbial Interactions in Organic Farming

This guide explores how diverse soil microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and microfauna—drive nutrient cycling, plant health, and ecosystem balance in organic farming systems. It covers microbial roles in plant nutrition, bioremediation of contaminated soils, and biological control of weeds and diseases. Readers will gain science-based insights into practices that build organic matter, support beneficial microbes, and strengthen soil resilience over time.

Photo of Soil Microbial Interactions & Organic Farming report cover
By |2025-12-15T11:16:40-05:00December 15th, 2025|Resource, Soil Health|
Read More
Translate »
Go to Top