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So far Elizabeth Tobey has created 27 blog entries.

Keeping it Real: How OFRF groundtruths our policy priorities, and why that matters

By Gordon Merrick, OFRF Senior Policy & Programs Manager

In today’s political environment, defined by complexity, shifting political winds, and consistently competing interests, clarity and consistency matter more than ever. That’s why it is all the more important that OFRF stays grounded by always adhering to one simple principle: our work must be rooted in the real needs of the organic farming and research community. Whether we’re advocating for research funding in the halls of Congress, submitting comments to the USDA, or analyzing the impacts of federal programs and decisions, we’re guided by what we hear directly from farmers, researchers, and partners across the United States.

OFRF Policy Priorities

OFRF’s policy work centers around three core goals:

  1. Invest in Organic Research that supports all farmers in building ecologically resilient, economically viable farming operations
  2. Expand access to technical assistance and financial tools that empower producers to implement research-backed, systems-based practices
  3. Grow organic as an economic engine, especially in rural communities, by ensuring federal policy recognizes and supports organic production systems as a public good

These priorities aren’t abstract, they’re rooted in field experience, producer feedback, and a clear-eyed assessment of what it takes to make organic agriculture succeed on the ground and in communities across the United States.

Our commitment to our community’s needs

OFRF does not set our policy agenda from an ivory tower or an echo chamber. We’ve committed to revisiting and updating our priorities annually in direct response to feedback from the communities we serve. We take seriously our responsibility to represent the diverse perspectives within the organic sector. That means staying connected to the farmers navigating certification, the researchers searching for funding that will facilitate their work, and the businesses and communities that depend on organic production.

That’s why we brought these priorities to our recent Organic Stewardship Council meeting. Producers like Anna Jones-Crabtree of Vilicus Farms reminded us that while organic systems offer tremendous benefits, too many federal programs still fail to recognize or accommodate how organic works. This on-the-ground story mirrors national research findings: current USDA programs are not designed with organic and agroecological systems in mind. This results in lost support, unfair pricing assumptions, and policies that treat organic like an outlier, rather than a proven system that feeds people and restores land (for reference, about 15% of our produce is organic by volume, but organically managed land represents less than 1% of all farmland).

The real experiences and stories shared in this discussion weren’t one-offs. They are part of the intentional work we do at OFRF in every conversation, farm visit, and research partnership. We aim to update our priorities annually in collaboration with farmers, researchers, and movement leaders. Through OFRF’s work with grass-tops organizations and directly with farms across the country, we work to build spaces for people to tell us their stories about what is changing on the ground. Whether it’s ensuring USDA’s technical and financial assistance programs are applicable to organic farms or fighting for parity in research investments, OFRF’s priorities are shaped by what people tell us they need, not what sounds good in D.C.

What you can do

There’s a reason this work feels more urgent right now. As several farmers noted in our recent conversations, organic is at an inflection point. Market premiums are narrowing. Other labels and claims are muddying consumer understanding. And more than 15,000 USDA staff are leaving the agency, threatening institutional memory and slowing urgently needed reforms.

OFRF doesn’t have all the answers; but we do have a clear mission: to cultivate organic research, education, and federal policies that bring more farmers and acreage into organic production.

If you are a farmer with organic acreage, a researcher studying organic agriculture topics, or just someone who has a story to share on the importance of organic agriculture, we are here to listen. If you want to make sense of the current policy landscape, we are here to help: our new, free, self-paced Communicating with Legislators email course is designed to support you in telling your story loudly and clearly. Farmers are doing the work. Our job is to make sure policy catches up. 

We’re here to make sure your voice is not only heard, but acted on.

Eat well and breathe deeply,

Gordon

P.S. You can catch up on recent editions of Gordon’s Policy Corner here.

By |2025-06-03T15:35:06+00:00June 3rd, 2025|Gordon's Policy Corner, News|

Chloe Sneed (she/her)

Office Assistant

email: chloe[at]ofrf.org

Chloe Sneed (she/her) is the Office Assistant at OFRF. She is currently a second year university student pursuing a degree in environmental science. She discovered her passion for this major her freshman year of college after taking a class called Climate Change and Solutions. Her interests include the intersectionality of anthropogenic activity with the environment. She is looking forward to exploring the avenues her degree will take her.

By |2025-07-09T16:05:56+00:00June 3rd, 2025|Staff|

Vinnie Trometter (he/him/his)

Policy Fellow

email: vinnie[at]ofrf.org

Vinnie Trometter (he/him/his) joins the OFRF team after being involved in a number of agriculture policy campaigns on Capitol Hill relating to anti-trust, pesticide preemptions, climate-smart agriculture, country of origin labeling, the Commodity and Crop Insurance titles of the Farm Bill, and animal welfare laws involving the egg and pork industries.

He also is experienced in international trade issues, having worked at Enterprise Ireland, Ireland’s export promotion agency, and publishing op-eds about tariffs and foreign direct investment in outlets such as the Boston Herald, Chicago Tribune, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Vinnie’s passion for organic agriculture stems from his mother growing up on a subsistence organic farm outside of Philadelphia. The family mainly grew specialty crops and would drive into the city on a “huckster truck” to sell fruit and vegetables. Later in life, she became a professor of culinary arts at the Pennsylvania College of Technology for 35 years.

As such, Vinnie grew up heavily influenced by concepts of healthy eating and knowing where your food comes from. He views the promotion of organic agriculture as a way for farmers to mitigate supply chain risks and become better stewards of the land.

Vinnie did his undergraduate studies at Penn State University and earned a master’s degree at Trinity College of Dublin, Ireland. When he is not working, he spends time with family back in Williamsport, PA, and cheers for his Nittany Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers.

By |2025-07-09T14:30:21+00:00May 18th, 2025|Staff|

Aubrey Antonovich (she/her)

Operations Associate

email: office[at]ofrf.org

Aubrey Antonovich (she/her/hers) brings a strong background in nonprofit administration, fundraising, and environmental advocacy to her role as Operations Associate at OFRF. With a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon, Aubrey has spent the past several years supporting mission-driven organizations working at the intersection of climate justice, public health, and sustainable agriculture.

Before joining OFRF, Aubrey helped lead strategic initiatives to support youth-led climate litigation to secure children’s right to a safe and livable climate based on the best available science. Her work included database management, campaign development, and cross-departmental project coordination. She has also held roles in volunteer coordination in local native plant gardens and sustainable business management, experiences that honed her skills in collaborative leadership, systems-building, and community engagement.

A long-time advocate for local food systems, Aubrey is located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley where she enjoys foraging for native foods and tending to her garden. She is passionate about advancing equitable access to organic and regenerative farming practices and is excited to support OFRF’s mission through thoughtful operational stewardship.

By |2025-07-09T14:30:41+00:00May 9th, 2025|Staff|

Marina Santos (they/them)

Policy & Communication Intern, Spring-Summer 2025

email: policy[at]ofrf.org

Marina Santos (they/them) is the 2025 Spring-Summer Policy & Communications intern with OFRF. With their background in Animal Science, they have spent the last five years working in the biomedical science field with a recent focus on drug addiction. They are currently pursuing a master’s in Food and Agriculture Law and Policy through Vermont Law and Graduate School. School nutrition and food security are areas that Marina believes can be strengthened through community outreach.

By |2025-05-06T17:06:10+00:00May 6th, 2025|Interns|

Maia Garby (she/her/hers)

Research & Education Intern, Spring 2025

email: research[at]ofrf.org

Maia Garby (she/her/hers) is the Spring 2025 Graduate Research & Education Intern at OFRF. She has a research background in regenerative and organic agriculture, having worked as a field researcher with Minnesota’s Regenerative Agriculture Alliance to analyze the soil health impacts of conventional vs. integrated perennial crop/poultry production systems in the Upper Midwest, and then as a full-time research technician for Utah State University’s Plants, Soils, & Climate Department, where she was involved in several studies assessing soil carbon sequestration and organic compost application in dryland agricultural systems. She is deeply passionate about sustainable food system reform and in the ability of healthy, sustainably-produced food to bring together both People and Planet.

Maia has a Bachelor’s in Environmental Biology from Carleton College and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainability, with dual specializations in Corporate Sustainability & Innovation and Sustainable Food Systems through the Harvard University Extension School. In her free time, she can be found reading, baking, crafting, and spending time in nature with her partner, family, and beloved Corgi.

By |2025-03-18T15:29:06+00:00March 18th, 2025|Interns|

OFRF Introduces Members of New Organic Stewardship Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Farmer-Led From the Start and for the Future

SANTA CRUZ, Calif.,  March 4, 2025 — The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has selected the seven inaugural members of a new Organic Stewardship Council (OSC). Composed of farmers from different regions, agricultural backgrounds, and diverse farming communities, as well as representatives from farmer associations, these stewards bring together diverse voices to shape OFRF’s work and elevate the priorities of organic and transitioning farmers nationwide. The formation of this advisory council strengthens OFRF’s long-standing commitment to taking its lead from farmers.

“By formalizing this advisory body, we are creating an enduring structure that empowers farmers to guide and shape our work at every level. We are thrilled to bring together this council of experienced voices who understand the challenges and opportunities in organic farming,” said OFRF Executive Director Brise Tencer.

Following a competitive nomination and review process, and approval from OFRF’s Board of Directors, OFRF is pleased to introduce the new OSC members:

Albert Straus, Straus Family CreameryAlbert Straus, Straus Family Creamery (California)
Albert is the founder and executive chair of Straus Family Creamery, the first 100% certified organic creamery in the United States. He founded the Creamery in 1994, while his farm, the Straus Dairy Farm, became the first certified organic dairy west of the Mississippi River. He brings decades of leadership experience in sustainable organic farming practices.

Anna Jones-Crabtree, Vilicus Farms (Montana)anna jones-crabtree, organic farmer at Vilicus Farms
Anna and her husband Doug own and manage Vilicus Farms, a first-generation, organic, 12,500-acre dryland crop farm in Northern Hill County, Montana, growing a diverse array of organic heirloom and specialty grain, pulse, oilseed, and broadleaf crops under five- and seven-year rotations. Anna holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Systems from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Brooke Gentile, Organic Association of Kentucky (Kentucky)Brooke Gentile, Organic Association of Kentucky
Brooke joined the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) in 2017 as the executive director and manages the KY Farm Share Coalition. Born and raised in Kentucky, she has worked with sustainable agriculture projects in New York City, Northern California, Indiana, and Kentucky. Brooke cares deeply about building a regional food system that supports our farmers, is regenerative for our lands, and is healthy and accessible for consumers.

John McKeon, Taylor Farms (California)John McKeon, Taylor Farms
John is the Director of Organic Integrity and Compliance at Taylor Farms Retail, overseeing organic compliance and regenerative organic practices. He has worked at Taylor Farms and Earthbound Farm for 15 years in organic field and facility food safety, international organic supply chain compliance, and organic agricultural operations. John also spent 10 years at CCOF, from an intern to certification director and then inspector. He studied horticulture, sustainable agriculture, and environmental studies at Cabrillo College and the University of California Santa Cruz.

Jordan Settlage, Settlage & Settlage Farms (Ohio)Jordan Settlage, Settlage & Settlage Farms, Ohio
Jordan is a dairy farmer with Organic Valley Cooperative, based in St. Marys, Ohio. Farming alongside his father, he manages 500 acres of certified organic land and cares for a herd of 300 cows. Though he didn’t grow up on a dairy farm, Jordan has been involved in dairy since childhood and became certified organic in 2016. With a strong emphasis on grazing, he is passionate about regenerative agriculture and is dedicated to improving the overall agricultural system.

Leonard Diggs, Pie Ranch (California)Leonard Diggs, Director of Operations and Farming at Pie Ranch
The Director of Operations and Farming Education at Pie Ranch in Central California, Leonard has managed sustainable and organic farms in northern California for over 30 years, including a 365-acre college farm with annual and perennial crops, a winery, livestock, and a mixed species forest. He has also instructed a wide range of agricultural classes and served on numerous agricultural boards and committees in an effort to share his experiences with current and future generations of gardeners and farmers.

Meg Moynihan, Derrydale Farm (Minnesota)Meg Moynihan, organic farmer Derrydale Farm
Meg is a certified organic dairy farmer in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, where she and her husband milk about 60 cows and direct market beef from Derrydale Farm. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Nashville, Tennessee, Meg earned her B.A. from Brown University and an M.S. in Agronomy from the University of Minnesota. Her experience includes leading the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Organic Program, directing a statewide sustainable agriculture program in Michigan, working as an educator and evaluator, participating in the National Association of State Organic Programs, and serving on the board of directors for the Organic Field School in Farmington, Minnesota. Meg also formerly served as president of OFRF’s Board of Directors.

The Council will offer invaluable feedback and recommendations to OFRF’s Board and staff across a range of areas, including:

  • Shaping OFRF’s programs by offering insight into educational resources, research priorities, and policy advocacy to ensure they align with the needs of organic and transitioning farmers.
  • Voicing farmer perspectives by elevating on-the-ground realities and challenges farmers face to guide OFRF’s strategic direction.
  • Evaluating the impact and providing feedback on the relevance and effectiveness of OFRF programs.
  • Addressing emerging agricultural issues, including the National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), feedback on OFRF’s new Organic Research Hub, and Farm Bill priorities.

With this Council, OFRF continues to lead with the voices of organic farmers and create innovative pathways to advance the adoption of organic farming systems that prioritize climate resilience, soil health, and sustainability.

For more information about OFRF and its initiatives, visit www.ofrf.org.

##

About the 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. 

Contact:
Ashley Dulaney, Communications Director, OFRF
ashley@ofrf.org 

By |2025-03-06T17:06:43+00:00March 4th, 2025|News, Press Release|

Meg Moynihan

Meg Moynihan, organic farmer Derrydale Farm

Farmer, Derrydale Farm

Meg Moynihan was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI and Nashville, TN, and earned her B.A. from Brown University. She was captivated by agriculture while working with the Peace Corps in Thailand where she served as a community development extension specialist. After returning to the U.S., she earned an M.S. in Agronomy at University of Minnesota. Meg has led the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Organic Program since 2002. She has been active in the National Association of State Organic Programs and serves on the board of directors for the Organic Field School in Farmington, MN.

She’s now a dab hand at milking cows, driving tractors, fixing fence, repairing water lines, oh – and organic paperwork for Derrydale Farm, which she and her husband run in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. Derrydale Farm is a certified organic dairy. They milk about 60 crossbred cows and direct market beef.

Meg also formerly served as OFRF board president.

By |2025-02-26T17:22:43+00:00February 26th, 2025|OSC|

Leonard Diggs

Leonard Diggs, Director of Operations and Farming at Pie Ranch

Director of Operations and Farming, Pie Ranch

Leonard Diggs is the Director of Operations and Farming Education at Pie Ranch in Central California. Leonard has managed sustainable and organic farms in northern California for over 30 years, including a 365 acre college farm with annual and perennial crops, a winery, livestock and a mixed species forest. He has also instructed a wide range of agricultural classes and served on numerous agricultural boards and committees in an effort to share his experiences with current and future generations of gardeners and farmers.

By |2025-02-26T17:12:57+00:00February 26th, 2025|OSC|

Jordan Settlage

Jordan Settlage, Settlage & Settlage Farms, Ohio

Dairy Farmer, Settlage & Settlage Farms

Jordan Settlage is an Organic Valley dairy farmer based in St. Marys, Ohio. Farming alongside his father, he manages around 500 acres of certified organic land and milks approximately 300 cows. Though he didn’t grow up on a dairy farm, Jordan has been involved in dairy since childhood and became certified organic in 2016. With a strong emphasis on grazing, he is passionate about regenerative agriculture and is dedicated to improving the overall agricultural system. Jordan lives with his wife and their three children, prioritizing family life alongside his work on the farm.

By |2025-02-26T17:25:15+00:00February 26th, 2025|OSC|
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