FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local lawmakers and agricultural leaders tour Salinas ARS station, emphasizing the need for expanded funding for organic farming research.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Oct. 23, 2024 — The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) hosted Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and their staff alongside agricultural leaders and stakeholders for a field day visit to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Salinas station. The visit highlighted the critical organic farming research led by Dr. Eric Brennan, emphasizing the need for increased funding to ensure the continuity and expansion of this impactful work.

Dr. Brennan’s research focuses on climate-smart and organic farming practices, particularly cover cropping and improved soil management. His efforts have provided practical, science-based solutions that boost farm resilience, reduce environmental impact, and enhance sustainability for both organic and conventional producers. However, despite the success of these projects, funding has remained stagnant since the mid-2000s, risking the loss of essential expertise and research advancements. OFRF commends Representatives Lofgren and Panetta for their active interest and support in championing organic agriculture. Their leadership is vital to advancing organic research, which benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment. In the greater Bay Area, from Monterey to Sonoma counties, over 1,550 organic producers are generating nearly $1.4 billion in annual gross sales—underscoring the significance of organic agriculture as a significant economic driver in this region.

“The 18th Congressional District is home to a thriving agricultural industry, and thanks to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service Salinas station, it is also a hub for cutting-edge organic ag research,” said Congresswoman Lofgren. “Scientists’ work to mitigate crop diseases and promote sustainable production practices will help protect farmers’ livelihoods and preserve America’s food supply in the long term. In Congress, I will continue to support initiatives that advance our understanding of organic crops and boost the ag economy in California and nationwide.”

“Our farmers on the Central Coast rely on a robust R&D pipeline to share the bounty of our home with the rest of the world,” said Rep. Panetta. “The work of local researchers at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Station Salinas is helping to improve soil health, pest management, and climate resilience for organic and conventional farms in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country. I look forward to ensuring that the federal government plays its part so that our innovation continues to bolster our agriculture.”

Despite organic agriculture’s growing market share, less than one percent of ARS funding is allocated to organic research, which has limited innovation and support for organic producers. OFRF has advocated for more robust funding for these initiatives, emphasizing their broader benefits, including enhanced soil health, reduced pesticide use, and improved economic and environmental resilience for farmers.

“Over 20 years ago, OFRF successfully advocated for Congress to create a research position at USDA’s Salinas station to focus specifically on organic farming,” said Brise Tencer, Executive Director of OFRF. “Dr. Brennan’s work has directly helped regional producers implement good soil health practices, advance climate-friendly agriculture, and dramatically increase the number of acres with cover crops in California. This is the type of research investment we want to see more of.”

Dr. Brennan’s research has led to improved soil health, higher crop yields, and more sustainable pest and weed management practices, empowering farmers across the region to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. However, to maintain and expand this research, the project requires an additional $1.5 million annually, which would support hiring a second scientist and broaden the project’s scope to address emerging challenges in organic farming.

Field day attendees reiterated the vital role of ongoing research in promoting organic and sustainable farming practices, stressing the need for increased funding to ensure the project’s long-term success. The event brought together leaders from the agricultural sector, including:

• Dr. Bill Wintermantel, Research Leader, USDA-ARS
• Jo Ann Baumgartner, Executive Director, Wild Farm Alliance
• Jennifer Clarke, Executive Director, California Leafy Greens Research Program
• Phil Foster, local small vegetable farmer/research collaborator at Pinnacle Organically Grown Produce
• Roy Fuentes, local strawberry farmer/research collaborator at Fuentes Berry Farms
• Christopher Valadez, President/CEO, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California

Following the field tours, discussions sparked several critical insights regarding the importance of continued investment in organic agriculture research. Here are the key takeaways from the event:

• Resilience and Climate Adaptation: Investing in organic agriculture research builds resilience against climate change, providing regionally relevant solutions for organic management.
• High Return on Investment: For every dollar invested in agricultural research, there is a $20 return to the economy, benefiting rural communities and local businesses.
• National Demand for Organic Products: Continued research is essential to closing the gap between domestic production and growing consumer demand for organic products, reducing reliance on imports.

For more information and to stay updated on policy developments, sign up for OFRF’s newsletter featuring Gordon’s Policy Corner, a monthly update from our Senior Policy & Programs Manager.

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About Organic Farming Research Foundation

About OFRF: 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: http://www.ofrf.org/. 

Media Contact:
Ashley Dulaney, Communications Director, OFRF
ashley@ofrf.orf
P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OFRF leads coalition of 90 partners advocating for increased investment in organic research to promote a sustainable and thriving agricultural sector.

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2024 — The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), joined by a coalition of 90 farms, businesses, organizations, and academic institutions, is urging Congress to significantly increase funding for organic agriculture research in the upcoming Farm Bill.

A letter has been sent to key House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders, emphasizing organic research’s critical role in promoting a sustainable, resilient, and economically thriving agricultural sector.

“Organic agriculture offers a multitude of benefits, from improved soil health and reduced environmental impact to stronger rural economies and increased consumer demand,” said OFRF Executive Director Brise Tencer. “However, current research funding levels continue to fail to reflect the sector’s potential and growth trajectory.”

The letter emphasizes the need for increased investment in several key areas, including:

• An annual increase of $10 million for the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI).
• Congressional authorization of the Researching the Transition to Organic Program at $10 million a year, increasing to $20 million in the third year of the Farm Bill.
• Increased funding for the Organic Markets and Data Initiative, along with a report on the economic impact of organic farming on communities and ecosystems.
• The creation of an Organic Research Coordinator position within the Office of the Chief Scientist at the USDA.
• Inclusion of climate change and the facilitation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge subject to Free and Prior Informed Consent from the tribal communities that possess this knowledge as legislative priorities for OREI.

“Investing in organic research is an investment in the future of American agriculture,” Tencer continued. “Providing our farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed can ensure a more sustainable and prosperous food system for generations to come.”

The full letter signed by OFRF and its partners can be read on the OFRF site here.

To help secure a future for organic agriculture, urge your representatives to support increased funding for organic research in the Farm Bill. We are working with the National Organic Coalition to ensure your voice is heard by providing an easy-to-use tool to send a personalized message to your representatives today. You can access the free tool here.

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About Organic Farming Research Foundation

About OFRF: The 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. For more information about OFRF, please visit our website: http://www.ofrf.org/. 

Media Contact:
Ashley Dulaney, Communications Director, OFRF
ashley@ofrf.orf, ‪(518) 565-0156‬
P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OFRF has been awarded a USDA NRCS cooperative agreement to cultivate conservation excellence and empower organic producers nationwide. The collaborative initiative strengthens NRCS capabilities and enhances support for organic farmers through innovative training, resources, and community engagement.

(May 16, 2024) The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is pleased to announce its five-year cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to enhance organic agriculture businesses’ access to vital conservation programs.

OFRF will provide expertise in organic research and conservation practices, supporting NRCS in building institutional knowledge of the conservation considerations of organic management at NRCS offices and with regional partners. Additionally, it will increase awareness among organic producers of the technical and financial assistance available through USDA to meet holistic resource management goals. 

“Ensuring federal conservation programs work for and are utilized by organic farmers is an essential way to expand and enhance regenerative organic practices on the ground,” stated OFRF Executive Director Brise Tencer.  

OFRF will work in partnership with Oregon Tilth and other regional partners, representing a combined $5 million investment by NRCS to bolster organic expertise and expand resources for transitioning farmers. 

This cooperative agreement will establish a new NRCS Liaison role at OFRF, who will serve as a critical resource and communicator for the project. The liaison will review NRCS materials, develop educational resources for organic producers, and present at national events.

Additionally, throughout this initiative, OFRF will:

• Review and improve NRCS resources on organic farming practices and soil health management, and share the latest research on organic agricultural practices.
• Equip NRCS with a suite of training materials and educational resources that build capacity within the agency and address the priorities and needs of BIPOC farmers.
• Ensure NRCS organic resources and conservation standards reflect the latest research findings.
• Engage with farmers, Organic Coordinators, and Certifiers nationwide to increase knowledge of and access to NRCS organic programs and resources.

“This partnership is going to allow OFRF to continue our work of ensuring that NRCS conservation programs recognize the conservation benefits of organic agricultural management while also increasing our efforts to ensure that organic producers are aware of and utilize the significant supports NRCS has to offer,” shared OFRF Senior Policy and Programs Manager Gordon Merrick, who will be acting as lead on this project.

OFRF is uniquely poised to provide training, technical information, and educational resources, including guidance and organic farmer stories, that will improve the capacity of the NRCS staff to assist organic producers in implementing conservation practices.

“We are thrilled to be partnering again with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to further this goal,” Tencer stated.

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About Organic Farming Research Foundation

About OFRF: The 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. For more information about OFRF, please visit our website: http://www.ofrf.org/. 

Media Contact:
Ashley Dulaney, Communications Director, OFRF
ashley@ofrf.orf, ‪(518) 565-0156‬
P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OFRF Releases a Suite of Messaging Resources for Organic Advocates to Amplify the Power of Organic Farming for Climate Solutions and Healthy Communities

(March 11, 2024) The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is proud to announce the launch of an innovative messaging toolkit, “Organic is Regenerative,” designed to address the growing interest in sustainable food choices and climate-friendly agriculture. As consumers increasingly seek to understand the environmental impact of their food, and farmers strive to combat climate change, there’s a unique opportunity to promote transformative practices. This toolkit emphasizes science- and standards-backed messaging about the benefits of organic agriculture as a regenerative farming practice.

“Organic growers are leaders when it comes to climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation,” said Brise Tencer, OFRF Executive Director. “We are excited to share this resource that summarizes the latest scientific insights on how organic fosters healthy soil, and contributes to clean water, biodiversity, and thriving farm communities.”

While the term ‘regenerative’ gains traction, the role of organic farming in this conversation is often overlooked. Organic agriculture embodies principles of collaboration with nature. It fosters healthy soil, clean water, biodiversity, and thriving farm communities. Organic is the original climate-smart agriculture. This toolkit aims to clarify misconceptions about organic practices and highlight their role in regenerative land stewardship. It includes versatile resources such as print/digital fliers, a presentation slide deck, social media graphics, and a comprehensive message mapping spreadsheet providing evidence-backed statements for various audiences.

“This toolkit includes a strong suite of science-backed resources highlighting the many ways in which organic is regenerative. It not only showcases clear messaging, it also includes the supporting evidence,” said Thelma Velez, OFRF Research and Education Director. “Our goal is to provide organic champions and farmers with the tools they need to communicate how organic practices support healthy soils, strong communities, and a more livable planet.”

Explore our toolkit at www.OFRF.org/organic-is-regenerative.

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About Organic Farming Research Foundation

OFRF works to promote the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF cultivates organic research, education, and federal policies that attract more farmers and arable land to organic production.

For more information, please visit www.OFRF.org

Media Contact

brise@ofrf.org

(Español abajo)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As Part of a Commitment to a More Inclusive Agricultural Community OFRF Expands Access to Spanish-Language Resources for Sustainable Farming

(March 6, 2024) – The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is pleased to announce a new, free online course in Spanish, focused on the importance of improving soil health for agricultural production. With partners at the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UC SAREP), the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), and the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA), we present Los Fundamentos de la Salud del Suelo, (Fundamentals of Soil Health). This Spanish-language course focuses on the world of soil and explains how to promote soil health as part of a functioning ecosystem. Healthy soils allow farmers and ranchers to increase production with lower costs, and make agricultural businesses more economically productive, while promoting the health of the environment, animals, and humans. This course discusses practices such as cover cropping, amendment application, tillage and crop rotation, and provides tools to help farmers decide which management practices are best suited for their operation.

Access the Soil Health Course here.

OFRF also recently added a Spanish-language Resources page to our website, dedicated to making education, research, and technical assistance resources accessible to more Spanish-speaking farmers. In our continued efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable agricultural system, and to promote language justice, OFRF will continue to develop and translate grower education factsheets, video content, and technical assistance resources. 

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About Organic Farming Research Foundation

OFRF works to promote the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF cultivates organic research, education, and federal policies that attract more farmers and arable land to organic production.

For more information about OFRF, please visit www.OFRF.org

Funding for the online soil health course, Los Fundamentos de la Salud del Suelo, was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 21SCBPCA1002. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA

Media contact

thelma@ofrf.org

La Fundación para la Investigación en Agricultura Orgánica lanza un nuevo curso sobre salud del suelo en español

PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

Como parte de nuestro compromiso con una comunidad agrícola más inclusiva, OFRF amplía el acceso a recursos en español para la agricultura sostenible

(6 de marzo de 2024) – La Fundación para la Investigación en Agricultura Orgánica (OFRF por sus siglas en inglés) se complace en anunciar un nuevo curso en línea gratuito en español, enfocado en la importancia de mejorar la salud del suelo para la producción agrícola. Creado en colaboración con el Programa de Investigación y Educación sobre Agricultura Sostenible de la Universidad de California (UC SAREP), la Asociación para la Agricultura y el Entrenamiento de la Tierra (ALBA) y el Centro Nacional para la Tecnología Apropiada (NCAT), presentamos Los Fundamentos de la Salud del Suelo. Este curso en español se centra en el mundo del suelo y explica cómo promover la salud del suelo como parte de un ecosistema funcional. Los suelos saludables permiten a los agricultores y ganaderos aumentar la producción con costos más bajos y hacer que las empresas agrícolas sean más productivas económicamente, al tiempo que promueven la salud del medio ambiente, los animales y los seres humanos. Este curso cubre prácticas como cultivos de cobertura, aplicación de enmiendas al suelo, labranza y rotación de cultivos, y proporciona herramientas para ayudar a los agricultores a decidir qué prácticas de manejo son las más adecuadas para sus operaciones.

Accede al Curso de Salud del Suelo aquí.

OFRF también agregó recientemente una página de Recursos en Español a nuestro sitio web, dedicada a hacer que los recursos de educación, investigación y asistencia técnica sean accesibles para más agricultores de habla hispana. En nuestros esfuerzos continuos hacia un sistema agrícola más inclusivo y equitativo, y para promover la justicia lingüística, OFRF continuará desarrollando y traduciendo fichas técnicas, videos y recursos de asistencia técnica para agricultores.

Acerca de la Fundación para la Investigación de Agricultura Orgánica

OFRF trabaja para promover la mejora y la adopción generalizada de sistemas de agricultura orgánica. OFRF cultiva la investigación orgánica, la educación y las políticas federales que atraen a más agricultores y tierras cultivables a la producción orgánica.

Para obtener más información sobre OFRF, visite www.OFRF.org

La financiación del curso en línea sobre salud del suelo, Los Fundamentos de la Salud del Suelo, fue posible gracias al Servicio de Comercialización Agrícola del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA) a través de la subvención 21SCBPCA1002. Su contenido es responsabilidad exclusiva de los autores y no representa necesariamente las opiniones oficiales del USDA.

Contacto

thelma@ofrf.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10 organic farmers across the country selected to receive technical support for innovative on-farm trials

(March 4, 2024) OFRF is proud to announce the launch of our innovative Farmer Led Trials (FLT) Program with the selection of our first ten farmers. The FLT Program will support farmers and ranchers in conducting practical, on-farm research that address farming challenges and increase farmer-led innovations in organic farming. OFRF will provide technical support to implement these on-farm trials, and create space to foster a community of farmer-researchers. 

“Farmers are experimenters by nature. Helping them add a few scientific steps to their farm trials can lead to more concrete and trustworthy results that they can share with other farmers”, said Thelma Velez, Director of Research and Education Programs. This program was created to support farmers in accomplishing just that by providing technical support and minimizing the risk of trying a new practice.

This first year cohort includes a mix of beginning farmers, BIPOC farmers, and veteran farmers spanning specialty crops, grain, and vineyard operations. All participants are certified organic or in transition to organic. The research topics identified by the farmers focus on building soil health, cover crop use, weed and pest management, shade cloth use during summer, planting distances, companion planting, and variety breeding. The following is the full list of farmers selected:

• Rhianna Simes, Verdant Phoenix Farm, Phoenix, Oregon. https://verdantphoenix.com/
• Tim Colby, Colby Farms, Papillion, Nebraska. https://colby-farms.com/
• Maggie Dungan, Salad Days Farm, Versailles, Kentucky. https://www.saladdaysfarm.com/
• Lindsay Klaunig, Trouvaille Farm, Athens, Ohio. https://www.trouvaillefarm.com/
• Nathan Lada, GreenThings Farm Collective, Ann Arbor, Michigan. https://www.greenthingsfarm.com/
• Jorge Reyes, Reyes Vineyard, Potrero, California.
• Alexandra Holle, Silver Holle Farms, Severn, Maryland. 
• Jennifer Barrientos, Kennebec Valley Farm, Solon, Maine. https://www.kennebecvalleyfarm.com/
• Bob Quinn, Quinn Farm & Ranch, Big Sandy, Montana.
• Tiffany Stanley, A Different Chick Farm and Orchard, Johnson City, Tennessee. https://www.adifferentchickfarm.com/ Instagram: @adifferentchickfarm

OFRF has been working to create this program for over two years, and we are so excited to get started and provide more direct support for farmers, said Thelma Velez, Director of Research and Education Programs. We are eager to see how these on-farm trials will benefit organic farmers in the long run.

To learn more about the Farmer-Led Trials Program, please visit our program page on the OFRF website. Additionally, check out the brand new OFRF publication titled Farmers Guide to On-Farm Research. https://ofrf.org/research/farmer-led-research-trials/  

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This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

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About Organic Farming Research Foundation
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) 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.
http://www.ofrf.org/

Media Contact
mary@ofrf.org