OFRF Collaborative Resources and Services

At the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), we are guided by our mission of fostering the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. We are committed to cultivating organic research, education, and federal policies that bring more farmers and acreage into organic production. Our vision is that organic farming becomes the leading form of agriculture, supporting healthy and resilient people, ecosystems, and economies.

OFRF acknowledges its privilege as a predominantly White-led organization and recognizes that diverse perspectives need to be highlighted for all organic farming systems to develop and thrive. Today’s agriculture system is a continued product of stolen land, knowledge, and enslaved labor of People of Color to favor the interests of white people. OFRF is committed to advancing beyond the conversation of social justice as it intersects with organic agriculture, and toward an anti-racist future that holds our board members, staff, and partner organizations accountable in dismantling systemic racism in organic farming. For more information on our work, please visit our Equity & Values Statement.

We offer a range of free and paid services to help allied organizations achieve success and build an equitable and thriving organic future. If any of these services are of interest, please contact us at communication [at] ofrf.org or reach out to the associated department lead.

OFRF’s Resources Page offers a variety of free resources on all aspects of organic farming, from soil health to weed management, cover crops to water management. These resources include publications, guidebooks, webinars, online courses, and FAQs. We have expanded our resources page to include a section for all our Spanish-language resources on sustainable farming. These include our free online course, Los Fundamentos de la Salud del Suelo (Fundamentals of Soil Health), as well as other free downloadable guides. We will continue to make more grower education factsheets, video content, and technical assistance resources available in English and Spanish.

Signing up for our free monthly newsletter is the best way to stay informed about new resources as they become available.

Outreach & Messaging

For more information about any of the services listed in the Outreach & Messaging section, please reach out to Ashley Dulaney, OFRF’s Communications Director at ashley[at]ofrf.org.

Highlighting farmer and researcher success stories

At OFRF, sharing the stories of organic farmers and researchers is essential to bridging the gap between science, policy, and practice. By amplifying real-world experiences, we help ensure that the challenges, innovations, and successes of the organic community are visible to decision-makers, funders, and the broader public. These stories provide powerful context for how research is applied on the ground, how policies impact day-to-day operations, and how organic practices contribute to environmental and community resilience.

Our team collaborates closely with farmers and researchers to develop compelling narratives that can be effectively shared through various channels, including blogs, videos, social media, reports, and advocacy materials. We prioritize authentic storytelling that reflects diverse voices and geographies, and we’re always looking for new opportunities to highlight the people behind the progress in organic agriculture. Whether your organization is gathering input, seeking visibility, or trying to influence policy, we can collaborate to lift up voices that matter. You can submit or nominate a candidate for a story here, or reach out to us directly if you have an idea for a story that needs to be told or know a farmer or researcher whose work should be uplifted.

Communications support

Our skilled communications team can offer collaboration on storytelling for content such as blog pieces, op-eds, press releases, webinars, and social media campaigns. We can also offer media connections and referrals. If you would like event announcements, campaigns, job postings, or other content to reach a wider audience, we can provide amplification on our social media and email channels, reaching over 20,000 people. Additionally, we can offer content amplification through our “Lunch ‘n’ Learns,” providing an informal, virtual space for your organization to share about key programs, recent accomplishments, and areas you’re passionate about.

Fundraising & Networking

For more information about any of the services listed in the Fundraising & Networking section, please reach out to Leah Lawson, OFRF’s Partnerships & Development Director at leah[at]ofrf.org.

Co-submission of grant applications

OFRF welcomes opportunities to serve as a collaborative partner on grant proposals related to organic farming research, education, and policy. With deep expertise in organic systems, federal policy engagement, and science communication, we can strengthen proposals by contributing to outreach strategies, equity frameworks, research dissemination, farmer engagement, and policy translation. Our participation helps ensure that grant-funded work is grounded in real, current farmer needs and reaches key audiences across the organic sector.

As a collaborator, OFRF can support proposal development, contribute to project design and implementation, and help meet funder expectations around participant impact and knowledge transfer. We bring a long-standing reputation with federal agencies and foundations, and our involvement can enhance both the credibility and visibility of a grant application. Whether you need a strategic thought partner, technical reviewer, or implementation lead, we are ready to support projects that align with our mission and advance organic agriculture.

Co-fundraising campaigns

To expand our impact and build a more inclusive organic movement, OFRF is open to joint fundraising campaigns in partnership with organizations serving and led by diverse farming communities. By aligning with mission-driven partners who share our commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and racial equity, we can collectively amplify our voices, pool resources, and engage a broader donor base. This collaboration would not only increase visibility for each organization’s work but also highlight the systemic barriers BIPOC farmers face in accessing research, technical assistance, and USDA support — areas where OFRF and our partners are actively working to create change.

These joint campaigns would establish clear, shared goals such as securing funding for on-farm trials, expanding multilingual educational resources, or bolstering advocacy for equitable organic policies. OFRF would leverage its national reach, science-backed content, and storytelling expertise, while partners would bring essential regional relationships, grassroots organizing power, and deep cultural insight. Together, we can develop compelling narratives that showcase the impact of community-led agricultural solutions and ensure that funding advances racial equity within the organic sector. This initiative would model the kind of collaboration and solidarity needed to build a more just and resilient food system.

Co-submission of conference presentations

OFRF regularly collaborates with partners to co-develop and submit presentation proposals for conferences, webinars, and other speaking opportunities. Whether you’re aiming to highlight research findings, policy insights, or successful community initiatives, we can help craft compelling proposals that elevate your work and expand its reach. Our team brings a strong track record of securing speaking slots at national and regional events by aligning presentations with timely issues, clear learning outcomes, and audience engagement strategies.

We work closely with partners to shape content, share speaking roles, and ensure that presentations reflect diverse perspectives, including those of farmers, researchers, and advocates. From idea development to submission logistics and on-stage delivery, OFRF can provide full support to make your proposal competitive and impactful. This collaboration not only increases the visibility of shared work but also strengthens connections within the broader organic and sustainable agriculture community.

Organic Research & Education

For more information about any of the services listed in the Research & Education section, please reach out to Thelma Velez, OFRF’s Research & Education Program Director at thelma[at]ofrf.org.

Research Amplification Services

OFRF’s outreach services are designed to help researchers connect with organic farmers in meaningful and accessible ways. We specialize in translating complex research findings into practical, farmer-friendly formats, such as guides, summaries, webinars, and visual tools, that make it easier for producers to apply the latest science on their farms. Our deep understanding of organic systems and trusted relationships with farmers nationwide enable us to tailor outreach strategies that resonate with real-world needs and regional contexts.

Whether you’re preparing to publish findings, seeking farmer collaborators, or aiming to extend the reach of your work, OFRF can support you at every stage. From co-developing materials to distributing content through our established channels, we help ensure that your research reaches the audiences who can benefit most, boosting both its visibility and impact.

Survey design support

OFRF offers collaborative support for survey design to help organizations gather meaningful, high-quality data from farmers, researchers, and other community members. Our research team brings experience in designing surveys that follow best practices for clarity, accessibility, and data integrity. We work closely with partners to refine objectives, craft effective and inclusive questions, and structure surveys to yield clean, actionable results.

In addition to survey development, we can assist with creating outreach and dissemination strategies to ensure strong participation from your target audience. Whether you’re conducting needs assessments, program evaluations, or research studies, OFRF can help you design a survey process that is thoughtful, representative, and aligned with your goals.

Help constituent farmers develop a research plan

OFRF works directly with farmers to co-develop research plans that are grounded in on-farm needs and informed by the latest organic agriculture science. Through our Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) program and beyond, we help producers identify research questions that matter most to their operations – whether they’re exploring cover cropping strategies, pest management techniques, or soil health improvements – and translate those into clear, regionally relevant, and actionable trial designs. Whether a farmer is new to on-farm experimentation or looking to expand existing efforts, we help ensure the process is farmer-centered, practical, and scientifically sound.

Extension personnel connections

OFRF can help build meaningful connections between your team and Extension professionals who specialize in organic agriculture. With our broad national network, we can identify and introduce you to Extension agents and specialists who have the regional expertise or technical knowledge to support your specific questions and goals. Whether you’re seeking advice on organic certification, production challenges, soil health, pest management, or farmer education, we can help facilitate partnerships that lead to practical, research-informed solutions. These connections are especially valuable for ensuring that organic producers and educators are supported by up-to-date guidance and locally relevant resources.

Organic education

OFRF’s team brings deep, practical expertise in organic agriculture and is well-equipped to deliver engaging, science-based educational sessions tailored to your organization’s needs. Whether you’re looking to train staff, inform partners, or educate your broader audience, we can provide customized presentations, workshops, or written materials that explore the principles, practices, and policy landscape of organic farming. Our educational offerings can help audiences understand how organic agriculture supports climate resilience, soil health, and farm viability, while also addressing equity, market access, and regulatory frameworks.

From corporate sustainability teams to academic institutions, nonprofits, and food system advocates, OFRF has helped a wide range of partners build their knowledge and capacity around organic practices. We translate complex scientific findings into accessible content and offer real-world insights from our on-the-ground work with farmers and researchers across the country. Whether you’re just starting to explore organic or looking to deepen your organization’s impact, we can help.

Advocacy & Awareness

For more information about any of the services listed in the Advocacy & Awareness section, please reach out to Gordon Merrick, OFRF’s Policy Program Director at gordon[at]ofrf.org.

Advocacy support for researchers and farmers

OFRF’s policy team is deeply involved in tracking the emergent and ever-shifting landscape of agricultural policy. We work closely with coalition partners and farmer representatives to ensure organic perspectives are heard and reflected in policy decisions. With staff on the ground in D.C. and a network of Congressional connections across the country, we can help you get in touch with your elected officials, review scripts for phone calls or emails, and give feedback on op-eds. We can also provide resources and suggestions for advocacy work you can do at the local, state, and federal level to make your voice heard.

Additionally, we also offer a free, self-paced online course – Communicating with Legislators – which can give you the tools you need to speak up for organic farming and research. Each lesson includes a short video, a simple assignment, and the opportunity to connect with our team for feedback and support. By the end, you’ll have what you need to take meaningful action without needing to become a policy expert.

Discussions of USDA programming

OFRF’s policy team offers tailored support to help partners and their networks navigate USDA programs, with a focus on increasing access for organic and underserved farmers. We provide clear, up-to-date information on available technical and financial assistance, including conservation incentives, organic transition support, and research funding. We can help translate complex policy details into actionable guidance. Whether you’re working with individual producers, service providers, or advocacy groups, we can equip you with the tools and insights needed to connect farmers to federal resources that align with their goals.

Our team also tracks policy changes and emerging opportunities, ensuring your community stays informed about evolving USDA priorities and deadlines. By working together, we can help demystify federal programs and increase equitable participation in USDA services that support resilient, sustainable organic farming systems.