OFRF has awarded Dr. Gladis Zinati, an Associate Research Scientist at the Rodale Institute, a grant for her project, Field Evaluation of Designed Compost Extracts for Organic Weed Suppression.
This is the second grant awarded to Zinati for her work with designed compost extracts (DCE). Through her laboratory research in 2013-2014, Zinati determined how certain compost extracts vary in their ability to suppress weeds, and also in the undesirable effect of suppressing crop germination. This new OFRF grant will enable Zinati to test those results in the field.
Although strawberry production is an important industry in Florida, with 11,000 acres and a production value of over $300 million (USDA 2014), the state lags behind other regions in certified organic acreage. In an effort to support more organic production, OFRF has awarded a grant to researchers from the University of Florida to develop integrated pest and pollinator management strategies on certified organic land.
While the majority of carrots are cultivated in California, recent droughts and water use restrictions may impact the success of future crops. Even in states such as Wisconsin, where water is more abundant, crops must overcome fluctuating soil moisture regimes due to differences in soil drainage, water-holding capacity, and microclimate conditions. Organic vegetable crops can also be challenged by more slowly available soil nutrients, especially in newly organic land.
“America’s organic industry is booming, creating important opportunities for farmers and ranchers and adding to the vibrancy of rural America.” Those were the words of USDA's Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, after reviewing the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) report that showed the organic sector posted its largest-ever dollar gain in 2015, with total organic product sales growing by $4.2 billion, reaching $43.3 billion.
The National Academies of Sciences has released a comprehensive report on genetically engineered (GE) crops titled Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects. This report evaluates scientific research related to the safety and possible environmental, economic, and social impacts of GE crops.
May 23, 2016 - OFRF is pleased to announce its research grant awards for 2016. Determinations were made by OFRF's Board of Directors, which is made up of organic agriculture researchers, industry leaders, and farmers. Six projects were chosen from the many highly credible and relevant research grant proposals submitted.
Diana Jerkins, Research Program Director at OFRF, presented the results of our National Organic Research Agenda at the Organic Confluences Summit on May 23rd in Washington, D.C. The conference was put on by the Organic Center and was the first of many events taking place during Organic Week.