Resource Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Organic Farming Research Foundation

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.

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By admin|2026-03-02T12:19:20-05:00February 12th, 2024|On-Farm Research, Plant Breeding & Variety Selection, Resource|

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.

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By admin|2026-03-02T12:18:10-05:00February 12th, 2024|On-Farm Research, Plant Breeding & Variety Selection, Resource|

Organic Management of Honey Bees

This resource provides a comprehensive factsheet based on Penn State research comparing conventional, chemical-free, and organic honey bee management systems across 288 colonies. It highlights critical findings on colony health, overwintering survival, and the surprising economic superiority of organic methods, which yielded the highest honey production and net profit.

Download the factsheet to discover how organic miticides and mechanical interventions can effectively manage pests like Varroa mites to support resilient, high-yielding apiaries without the use of synthetic chemicals.

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image of two-page pdf factsheet on the organic management of honey bees

By admin|2026-03-02T12:27:24-05:00February 12th, 2024|Insects & Diseases, On-Farm Research, Resource|

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).

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By admin|2026-03-02T11:52:33-05:00January 30th, 2024|Certification & Compliance, Resource|

Farmers are Researchers: Conducting your own on-farm research

Farmers and ranchers conduct experiments all the time. They constantly test and modify new or improved ways to farm. In this webinar, farmers will learn about adding a few scientific steps to their farm tests that can produce more reliable results that they can trust. OFRF is excited to present this workshop as part of the new OFRF Farmer-led Trials Program (FLT) and the accompanying publication Farmers Guide to On Farm Research.

This webinar recording covers the official launch of OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trials Program, which promotes farmer-led innovations in organic farming. Learn how this program can support farmers and ranchers like you in conducting practical, on-farm research.

By admin|2026-03-02T12:03:51-05:00November 11th, 2023|Certification & Compliance, On-Farm Research, Resource|

Strategies for Successful Researcher Farmer Collaboration

Have you ever wondered how to connect with a farmer or researcher to conduct on-farm research? This Researcher- Farmer Virtual Networking event highlights the successes and challenges of engaging in farmer-researcher partnerships and focuses on building positive outcomes for farmer and researcher collaboration in organic agriculture. OFRF are joined by four speakers that have participated in successful organic research projects funded by USDA NIFA. Two researchers: Julie Grossman and Eric Gallandt, and their farmer collaborators, Seth Kroeck and KaZoua Berry, share details on their experience and the process of engaging in on-farm research. The session begins with a brief introduction on USDA-NIFA organic programs and featured facilitated conversations on the topic of collaborative farmer-researcher projects that will support information sharing and identify possibilities for future research partnerships. This is the first in the Seeds of Success Networking Sessions from OFRF, from October 2023. To learn more about these and other events from OFRF visit: https://ofrf.org/events/ Funding for this series is provided by a cooperative agreement between OFRF and USDA- NIFA to highlight research investments made through both OREI and ORG grant programs.

By admin|2026-03-02T12:05:05-05:00November 10th, 2023|On-Farm Research, Resource|

Crop Livestock Integration with John Bitter

In OFRF’s 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), organic farmers and ranchers across North America shared a common concern about the lack of technical assistance and educational resources available for Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS). Integrating crops and livestock results in numerous benefits, however the process can also lead to increased complexity, especially for farmers who must adhere to National Organic Program rules and regulations.

This series of resources focused on Crop-Livestock Integration is informed by interviews with four highly-experienced organic producers that shared their challenges, successes, and advice for others interested in integrating livestock and crops on their organic farms.

This video features John Bitter, Production Manager and co-owner of Frog Song Organics. Frog Song is a diversified organic farm producing vegetables, orchard crops, herbs, flowers, pork, and eggs. Operating on 62 acres in north Florida, Frog Song employs about 30 full-time workers, supplies direct and wholesale markets in several nearby cities, and runs an online, customizable CSA program. In this video, John talks about integration of crop and animal production systems at this thriving organic farm.

By admin|2026-03-02T12:00:30-05:00August 30th, 2023|Crop Livestock Integration, Insects & Diseases, Livestock, Resource, Soil Health, Weeds|

Food Safety and Crop-Livestock Integration

In OFRF’s 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), organic farmers and ranchers across North America shared a common concern about the lack of technical assistance and educational resources available for Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS). Integrating crops and livestock results in numerous benefits, however the process can also lead to increased complexity, especially for farmers who must adhere to National Organic Program rules and regulations.

This series of resources focused on Crop-Livestock Integration is informed by interviews with four highly-experienced organic producers that shared their challenges, successes, and advice for others interested in integrating livestock and crops on their organic farms.

Food safety is a critical concern for any farmer, and those with integrated systems must take extra precautions. Learn how organic farmers identify and mitigate critical points for food safety and where you can find assistance in developing a food safety plan for your farm.

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Food Safety and Crop Livestock Integration report cover

Want to learn more? Visit our Crop Livestock Integration page!

By admin|2026-03-02T11:57:51-05:00August 30th, 2023|Certification & Compliance, Crop Livestock Integration, Livestock, Resource|

Benefits of Crop-Livestock Integration

In OFRF’s 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), organic farmers and ranchers across North America shared a common concern about the lack of technical assistance and educational resources available for Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS). Integrating crops and livestock results in numerous benefits, however the process can also lead to increased complexity, especially for farmers who must adhere to National Organic Program rules and regulations.

This series of resources focused on Crop-Livestock Integration is informed by interviews with four highly-experienced organic producers that shared their challenges, successes, and advice for others interested in integrating livestock and crops on their organic farms.

Learn about the benefits of crop-livestock integration, including reduced inputs, improvements in soil tilth and health, higher nutrient densities in food and forages, pest control in crops and livestock, decreased need for mechanical cultivation, and more.

Download the Factsheet

Benefits of Crop Livestock Integration report cover

Want to learn more? Visit our Crop Livestock Integration page!

By admin|2026-03-02T11:56:41-05:00August 30th, 2023|Cover Crops & Crop Rotation, Crop Livestock Integration, Insects & Diseases, Livestock, Resource, Soil Health|

Crop Rotations and Crop-Livestock Integration

In OFRF’s 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), organic farmers and ranchers across North America shared a common concern about the lack of technical assistance and educational resources available for Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS). Integrating crops and livestock results in numerous benefits, however the process can also lead to increased complexity, especially for farmers who must adhere to National Organic Program rules and regulations.

This series of resources focused on Crop-Livestock Integration is informed by interviews with four highly-experienced organic producers that shared their challenges, successes, and advice for others interested in integrating livestock and crops on their organic farms.

Farmers with ICLS utilize carefully-planned rotations of crops and animals that intersect and overlap to provide benefits to soil, crop, and livestock health. Read about and see illustrations of examples of integrated crop and animal rotations developed by organic farmers.

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