Organic Farming Research Foundation

Farmer-Led Trials Virtual Forum
2025-10-21 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Online
This event has passed. Watch the recording below:

Join our upcoming forum on Farmer-Led Trial Projects!
Tuesday, October 21st, 1-2:30 pm EST.
Discover how hands-on research led by farmers has informed and impacted their production practices. This 1.5-hour, FREE, virtual forum will feature three organic farmers who participated in OFRF’s Farmer-Led Trials program:

Lindsay Klaunig, Trouvaille Farm, Southeastern Ohio
Tiffany Stanley, A Different Chick Farm, Johnson City, Tennessee
Becki and Tim Colby, Colby Farms, Papillion, Nebraska

OFRF will provide an overview of steps to conduct on-farm research trials, and share opportunities to participate in the program and how it can impact your farm operation. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from and connect with fellow farmers committed to advancing practical, on-the-ground solutions!
Register here!

Turning Values into Law: Advocacy Skills for Lasting Change at Provender Conference
2025-10-24 10:45 - 11:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, Hood River, OR, Hood River, OR, United States
Learn how to become an effective advocate for organics by hearing from the Oregon Organic Coalition, the Organic Farming Research Foundation, and the Organic Trade Association. Organic advocacy has been a cornerstone of the industry’s growth at the state and federal levels, helped maintain the National Organic Program and other critical organic funding, and will continue to be important as organic-specific programs and general USDA functions are at risk.
Provender Alliance Annual Conference is a dynamic convergence of values-driven businesses, changemakers, and community members from across the natural products industry. This year’s theme, Roots, Shoots & Fruits: Bringing us all Together, celebrates the deep foundations that ground us, the bold ideas that keep us growing, and the collective harvest we share when we come together.
OFRF is looking forward to joining the Provender Conference to share strategies for effective organic advocacy.
Register here.

Organic Grower Summit 2025
2025-12-03 07:00 - 2025-12-04 16:00 (America/New_York) | Hyatt Regency Hotel 1 Old Golf Course Rd Monterey, CA 93940 United States, 1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
The Organic Grower Summit is a premier event that serves as a hub for organic producers and suppliers to come together and explore the latest trends, techniques and innovations in organic farming, now produced by Farm Progress.
Discover the latest trends, techniques, and innovations in organic farming at the Organic Grower Summit. Immerse yourself in engaging educational sessions, learn from insightful keynote presentations, and explore a jam-packed tradeshow floor connecting the entire organic agricultural community.
Register now to secure your spot at this premier organic farming event! Organic and transitioning growers qualify for a discounted ticket price. Contact communications[at]ofrf.org with any issues accessing the discounted registration.
→ REGISTER HERE: https://ogs.swoogo.com/OGS25/register?code=OFRF25
Event Location
Hyatt Regency Hotel
1 Old Golf Course Rd
Monterey, CA 93940
United States

Farmer Listening Session at Montana Organic Conference
2025-12-09 - 2025-12-11 | Great Falls, MT
OFRF will be in Great Falls, Montana Dec 9-11, 2025 at the Montana Organic Association (MOA) meeting. Our staff will host a listening session with farmers that will inform a regional and national needs assessment focused on organic farmers.
Conference information and registration here.

Simplifying the Paperwork: Recordkeeping Strategies for Organic Farmers
2025-12-10 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Join us over Zoom on December 10 from 2 to 3:30 pm ET for a virtual interactive session that will put the focus on farmers, creating space to share firsthand experiences and practical strategies for streamlining recordkeeping and reducing the stress of compliance.
Recordkeeping is one of the biggest hurdles in organic certification, and for some farmers, it’s a reason to avoid or even abandon the process.
Join us to:

Hear directly from organic farmers about the tools and practices that have worked for them.
Participate in breakout sessions to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from peers.
Discuss how simplifying recordkeeping can help build a more inclusive and supportive organic community.

This session is designed to spark a larger conversation about reducing paperwork burdens across the organic system. Come prepared to share, listen, and collaborate as we work toward solutions that make organic certification more accessible for all.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025
2:00 PM 3:30 PM

Register here.

The Organic System Plan and Farmer Insights - OFRF & FAARMS
2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Online
OFRF is teaming up with FARRMS (Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resources Management and Sustainability) for session #2 in a two-part webinar series: Supporting Organic Farmers Through Knowledge, Innovation & Community. This session, The Organic System Plan and Farmer Insights bridges the gap between wanting to certify and being certified by guiding you through the Organic Systems Plan (OSP). Get connected with OFRF and NCAT, and gain candid insights from experienced organic farmers on record-keeping and real-world challenges.
📅 Date: December 11, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 PM CST
📍 Location: Online Webinar
Register here.

Seeds of Success: Farmer Perspectives and Experiences Transitioning to Organic in the Northwest
2025-12-15 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Online
Are you beginning the process of transitioning your farm to certified organic? Are you wondering how others have overcome the hurdles of certification? Would you like to hear directly from farmers in the Northwest who have successfully made their transition to organic?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then join us on December 15th at 12pm PT for our Seeds of Success session: Adding the “O” : Farmer Perspectives and Experiences Transitioning to Organic in the Northwest. Transitioning farmers face unique challenges that require technical assistance on a wide range of production and non-production issues. During the transition period farmers must consider financially viable strategies for the three-year transition period, how to restore soil health while learning to manage weeds without herbicides, acquiring new equipment and infrastructure needed for organic production, and navigating NOP-related paperwork during the last year of transition and first year of certification.This webinar will feature three farmers that have worked through these issues, and will share their experiences and thoughts for demystifying some of the challenges they faced in the process. In this session we will feature three farmers in the Northwest that have built resilience and a dynamic organic system.

Lynn Schaal, Life Springs Farm – Idaho
Tracey Dion, Yellowstone River Farms – Montana
Aaron Flansburg, Flansburg Farm – Washington

Each farmer-presenter will introduce their farm systems, sharing their experiences and providing insights into their approach and process. After the brief introductions, we will transition to a facilitated Q&A, so come prepared with your questions!
Register here!

Seeds of Success: Accessing USDA Farmer Resources on the Ground
2026-01-27 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Online
This event has passed. Watch the recording here.
Recent changes to USDA offices have real impacts for organic farmers. Join the Organic Farmers Association, OFRF, and the National Organic Coalition (NOC) for this Seeds of Success session: Accessing USDA Farmer Resources on the Ground: NRCS and FSA – Seeds of Success. Monday, January 27, 3-4:00 pm ET. This session will help farmers understand how they can navigate these changes with insights straight from USDA staff. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA). During the hour, we will delve into the specific changes in the structure, staffing, and location of NRCS and FSA offices. Farmers will learn the most effective ways to access essential resources. The session will also provide guidance and updates on available loans, programs, and technical assistance to support farm and business goals. Bring your questions and get them answered!

OFRF at the Everything Local Conference
2026-01-28 - 2026-01-30 | Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield, IL, United States
Bringing together more people than ever from across Illinois’ local food, specialty crop, and farmers market supply chains. Aside from networking opportunities and an expansive tradeshow, you’ll have the chance to hear from leaders invested in the specialty and local food markets, engage in breakout sessions tailored to your needs, receive one-on-one technical assistance from industry leaders, and participate in workshops that dive deep on a wide variety of production, operational and marketing topics.
Our Partnerships and Development Director, Leah Lawson, and our Communications Fellow, Clare Bolland, will be representing OFRF at this conference. Stop by our table and say hello!
Conference details and registration.

Organic 101 for Extension Agents: Understanding Certification, Standards, and Producer Journeys
2026-01-29 13:00 - 14:15 (America/New_York) | Online
This event has passed. Watch the recording here.
Are you an extension agent or technical service provider who wants to understand organic certification and help growers make the transition to organic farming? Mark your calendars for January 29, 2026 at 10am PT/1pm ET for a 75-minute webinar, Organic 101 for Extension Agents: Understanding Certification, Standards, and Producer Journeys, brought to you by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, Oregon Tilth, and Western SARE.
In the first half of this informative session, you will learn the basic principles of organic certification, and become familiar with organic standards. During the second half, you will have the opportunity to interact with farmer panelists as they share their experiences in becoming certified organic producers. Panelists include April Thatcher of April Joy Farm in Washington, Beth Hoinacki of Goodfoot Farm in Oregon, and Diane Green of Greentree Naturals in Idaho.

Researcher & Extension Meetup + High Plains Organic Conference
2026-02-09 - 2026-02-11 | Cheyenne, WY
OFRF is hosting a special pre-conference Researcher & Extension Meetup in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on February 9, 2026, to give those working in organic research, education, and extension a chance to connect and explore collaboration across the region.
More details and a form to sign up for this free event can be found here: www.ofrf.org/event-rerm-high-plains.
This meetup is scheduled the day before the High Plains Organic Conference (Feb 10–11), also in Cheyenne, making it easy to attend both events. Registration for the High Plains Conference is $45 for both days, meals included. You can learn more and sign up for the main conference here: www.highplainsorganic.com.

Organic Producer Listening Sessions at MOFGA Farmer to Farmer Conference
2026-02-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, Maine, 88 Spring St., Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Join the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) at Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners (MOFGA)’s Farmer to Farmer Conference in Portland, Maine, for an interactive listening session to identify and prioritize the most pressing research needs for organic farmers and ranchers.

Your insights will directly inform researchers, helping them focus on the issues that matter most to you. The conversation will center on research and information needs, changing environmental and economic conditions, and evolving challenges for organic producers. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss a number of research topics, such as seed and plant breeding, soil health, livestock welfare, and economic barriers to organic production. Information from this listening session will be incorporated into OFRF’s next Regional and National Organic Needs Agenda, which will be used by organic advocates, researchers, and policymakers to support organic initiatives across the US.

Conference dates are February 8-9, 2026.
The Organic Producer Listening Sessions will be held on Monday, February 9, at lunchtime.

Conference registration info here.

Organic Livestock and Grazing Management: Insights from Research
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Join the Organic Farming Research Foundation for their next NRCS webinar and learn about research related to organic livestock production and grazing management. Topics such as animal health, feed, grazing and pasture management, and crop-livestock integration will be discussed. The webinar will provide detailed scientific information and give insight into peer-reviewed research treatments and results. The webinar will conclude with a Q+A session, and participants will also have the opportunity to answer quiz questions and earn Certified Crop Advisor Continuing Education Credits.
Register here!

Organic 101 Field Day at Stepping Stone Farm
2026-02-25 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Stepping Stone Farm, Mosier, OR, United States
Calling all northwest extension agents and technical service providers interested in learning about organic operations! Here is an opportunity to get your boots on the ground, tour a newly certified organic farm, and earn CEU credits all at the same time.
Join OFRF and Oregon Tilth at Stepping Stone Farm in Mosier, OR on February 25th, 2026 from 12-2pm PT. Farmer Micaela Ballinger will be hosting the field day on her vegetable farm, leading a tour and discussion about the challenges and successes experienced during the organic certification process. Attendees can earn 1 CCA Crop Management credit and 1 CCA Professional Development credit.
Space is limited, reserve yours today.
Register for the event here!

Research and Extension Regional Meetup at Marbleseed Conference
2026-02-26 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Join the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) on Thursday, February 26th, from 1-5 pm, at Marbleseed’s 37th Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin for a special networking opportunity. This Thursday session will provide opportunities to connect, share updates with colleagues, and hear the latest updates from OFRF about USDA funding opportunities for organic research.
Conference registration info here.
The Research and Extension Regional Meetup is on Thursday, February 26th, from 1-5pm local time. A happy hour on site will follow.
The conference theme is: Abundance Grows in Solidarity. Conference dates are February 26-28, 2026

Organic Producer Listening Sessions at Marbleseed Conference
2026-02-27 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Join the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) at Marbleseed’s 37th Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin for two interactive listening sessions to identify and prioritize the most pressing research needs for organic farmers and ranchers.
Your invaluable insights will directly inform researchers, helping them focus on the issues that matter most to you. The conversation will center around research and informational needs, changing environmental and economic conditions, and evolving challenges for organic producers. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss a number of research topics, such as seed and plant breeding, soil health, livestock welfare, and economic barriers to organic production. Information from this listening session will be incorporated into OFRF’s next Regional and National Organic Needs Agenda, to be used by organic advocates, researchers, and policy makers to support organic initiatives across the US.
The conference theme is: Abundance Grows in Solidarity. Conference dates are February 26-28, 2026
The Organic Producer Listening Sessions will be held Friday, February 27 at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm Central (local time).
Conference registration info here.

Organic 101 Field Day in the Southeast - for Extension Agents and Service Providers
2026-03-26 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | River & Root Farm, Gainesville, FL, 32609, United States
Join FOG and Organic Farming Research Foundation at River and Root Farm in Gainesville, Florida, for a hands‑on, practical introduction to the organic certification process. Designed specifically for extension agents and service providers, this field day offers an inside look at what farmers experience as they move toward organic production. River and Root Farm is currently in transition to organic certification, giving attendees a real‑time view of the steps, challenges, and considerations involved.
Register here.
By the end of the field day, participants will:

Learn the fundamentals of the organic certification process
Gain insight into what to expect during an organic inspection
Explore the on‑farm realities of transitioning to organic
Hear directly from the farm host about practical challenges and decision‑making during transition
Walk the farm to observe in‑progress organic practices

Spaces are limited. Registration is free.
Please come prepared for outdoor farm conditions. We recommend wearing comfortable, weather‑appropriate clothing such as hats, sunglasses, close‑toed shoes, and sunscreen. Dressing for sun and uneven terrain will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Bringing a water bottle is also encouraged.
Questions? Reach out to info@foginfo.org
By attending, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. Media may be used for promotional purposes. Notify staff to opt out, though incidental inclusion in crowd shots may still occur. Thank you for your understanding!
Certified Crop Advisor Continuing Education Units (CEUs) offered: 1.0 Professional Development CEU and 1.0 Crop Management CEU.

Organic 101 for Extension Agents: Understanding Certification, Standards, and Producer Journeys
2026-03-31 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Are you an extension agent or technical service provider who wants to understand organic certification and help growers make the transition to organic farming? Mark your calendars for March 31, 2026 at 1pm ET for a 1.5 hour webinar, Organic 101 for Extension Agents: Understanding Certification, Standards, and Producer Journeys, brought to you by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, Florida Organic Growers, and Southern SARE.
In the first half of this informative session, you will learn the basic principles of organic certification, and become familiar with organic standards. During the second half, you will have the opportunity to discuss your questions with a panel of experts, including organic farmers and specialists in Extension and organic certification: Eva Worden (Worden Farms), Danielle Treadwell (University of Florida), and Juan Carlos Rodriguez (Florida Organic Growers).
1.0 Professional Development Certified Crop Advisor Continuing Education Unit (CEUs) will be offered to attendees.
Register for the event here!

Organic Pest and Weed Management for Service Providers in the South
2026-05-13 14:00 - 15:15 (America/New_York) | Online
Join OFRF for a webinar designed specifically for extension agents, technical service providers (TSPs), and others who support organic and transitioning farmers in the South.
Pest and weed pressure is one of the most significant challenges facing organic producers — affecting crop yields, product quality, and the economic sustainability of farming operations. In the hot, humid conditions of the southern region, these pressures are especially intense, making effective, NOP-compliant management strategies essential knowledge for anyone advising farmers in the field.
In this 75-minute session, we will walk through the most common insects, diseases, and weeds found across the SSARE region — from armyworm and root-knot nematode to pigweed and nutsedge — and connect that regional context to the pest management requirements outlined in the National Organic Program. Drawing on research conducted in the South, the session will focus on practical, science-backed strategies that extension agents and TSPs can bring directly to the farmers they serve, covering approaches to weed management, insect and disease control, and the “many little hammers” IPM framework that underpins organic production. There will be time for live Q&A at the end of the session.
This webinar is eligible for 1.0 CEU credit in Integrated Pest Management.
Presented by OFRF, with support from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) program.
Register for the event here!

Organic Pest and Weed Management for Service Providers in the West
2026-05-27 14:00 - 15:15 (America/New_York) | Online
Join the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) on Tuesday, May 27 at 11:00 AM PT for a webinar designed specifically for extension agents, technical service providers (TSPs), and others who support organic and transitioning farmers in the West.
Pest and weed pressure is one of the most significant challenges facing organic producers — affecting crop yields, product quality, and the economic sustainability of farming operations. The western region presents a uniquely diverse and demanding set of pest management challenges, from the highly competitive weeds that thrive in irrigated fields to insects and diseases that threaten everything from wheat and alfalfa to tree fruit and vegetables. Having the right knowledge and tools to advise farmers is more important than ever.
In this 75-minute session, presenters will walk through the most common insects, diseases, and weeds found across the WSARE region — from apple maggot and wheat stem sawfly to kochia and field bindweed — and connect that regional context to the pest management requirements outlined in the National Organic Program. Drawing on research conducted in the West, the session will focus on practical, science-backed strategies that extension agents and TSPs can bring directly to the farmers they serve, covering approaches to weed management, insect and disease control, and the “many little hammers” IPM framework that underpins organic production.
There will be time for live Q&A at the end of the session.
This webinar is eligible for 1.0 CEU credit in Integrated Pest Management for Certified Crop Advisors.
Register for the event here!
Presented by OFRF, with support from the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (WSARE) program.
