Latest OFRF News
Post House Agriculture Committee Markup: How OFRF is Viewing Organic Research Priorities in the Farm Bill
Congressional authorization for the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) was included in the House Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill markup on March 4, 2026, which could present an opportunity for Senate Agriculture Committee members to take a meaningful step in right-sizing federal funding for organic agriculture research this year.
The Power of Shared Narrative: Lessons from the Institute for Agroecology
Earlier this year, OFRF staff met with Shane Rogers, of the University of Vermont’s Institute for Agroecology, to learn more about their work and explore how narrative strategy and a joyful mapping project can help build a stronger food movement.
Growing Organic Grains and Pulses in the Northeast: What Does the Research Say?
Organic grain and pulse farmers in the northeast face challenges including finding crop rotations, effective and economical seeding rates, and weed management, to name a few. Organic research projects across the northeast have insights about these challenges and how farmers might address them.
From Conventional to Certified: Transitioning to Organic in the Northwest
Three farmers with roots in conventional agriculture share their challenges and successes navigating the transition to certified organic production in the Northwest.
Policy Developments in 2025 and How They Are Affecting Small Farms
Despite messaging around reinvigorated support for small farms, policy choices over the last year have revealed a widespread decline in resources for small farmers. Learn about the program cuts and how they are impacting farmers across the country.
Doing the Unglamorous, Essential Work to Help Organic Agriculture Thrive
As Gordon prepares to step away from his role at OFRF, he reflects on the lessons learned in four years working in organic agriculture policy and how it has shaped the way he thinks about food, farming, and creating policy that serves the people who are integral to our food system.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Passion Garden
Passion Garden, in Waco Texas, is a three-acre diversified farm, in the process of transitioning to organic certification. Farmer Kay Bell is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trial Program to experiment with farm-made soil amendments from mesquite bean pods to increase productivity of tomato varieties.
Organic Agriculture Research in Action: High Tunnels and Cover Cropping with Moore Family Farms
Moore Family Farms is a family-owned and operated farm located in Warsaw, North Carolina. Managed by Robert Moore and his son Dakota, this 260-acre farm was founded in 1833 based on principles of sustainability. Learn how they are meeting conservation goals - and what funding for organic research programs can do to support family farms.
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
NRCS’ CSP program offers financial assistance and technical support for farmer who are looking to increase conservation on their farm by adopting new conservation activities or improving upon existing practices.
New Year, Same Farm Bill… Again.
As we turn the calendar to a new year, we are still operating under an extended version of the 2018 Farm Bill. In this month’s Policy Corner, Gordon provides a quick reset on where things stand, what key players are signaling, and how OFRF is approaching organic agriculture policy advocacy for the year ahead to ensure organic agriculture is fully recognized as a research-driven, conservation-forward, and economically significant part of U.S. agriculture.
