Latest OFRF News
Board Spotlight: Why I Served 10+ Years on the Board of OFRF
After 12 years on the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) board, Keith Richards is stepping down. He sits down with former board member Katrina Heinze to talk about sustainability as a guiding star, why research helps every farmer, and their hopes for the future of organic.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center Digs Deeper in Year Two
Oxbow Farm and Education Center, in the Snoqualmie Valley of Washington, is a nonprofit focused on trialing climate adaptive and resilient agricultural practices. Agriculture Director, Anthony Reyes, is participating in a second year of OFRF's Farmer-Led Trial Program to test whether an earlier planting time can improve cover crop establishment under drought conditions.
Board Spotlight: Carrie-Anne Palmeri on Organic’s Next Chapter
We sat down with board member Carrie-Anne Palmeri, Organic Program Manager at Nature’s Path Organic Foods, to talk about her path into organic farming and policy, what draws her to OFRF’s work, and where she sees the biggest opportunity for organic research to make a difference.
Organic Farmers Deserve a Seat at the NRCS Table
Key NRCS programs that organic farmers relied on are being lost as the agency reorganizes. After meeting with USDA Under Secretary Richard Fordyce, OFRF and Oregon Tilth are asking NRCS to count organic producers again, build real organic expertise, and restore targeted support.
Looking Local: Opportunities for Organic in State-Level Policy
As federal Farm Bill negotiations stall, states have an opportunity to advance organic agriculture through local food programs and policy initiatives. From farm-to-school programs to organic certification, states policies are leading the way in building a resilient, organic market.
Organic Week Was Full of Certified Smiles!
Last month, Organic Week in Washington, D.C. brought together farmers, advocates, retailers, and industry leaders for timely conversations about the future of organic agriculture. While the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill markup offered little progress on key organic priorities, the conference highlighted the resilience driving the organic sector forward.
Building Organic Connections through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)
Read the stories of three Midwest farmers and how they’re supporting organic agriculture in their region through peer-to-peer connections. Through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), farmers are building knowledge and strengthening the organic farming community.
Beating Pests and Disease: What Northwest Farmers and Researchers Have Learned the Hard Way
Written by: Mary Elizabeth Kidd, Communications Associate As the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) team continues its work facilitating the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) to strengthen organic farming communities and encourage farmers to transition their farming systems for organic certification, we’re hosting Seeds of Success virtual networking sessions across the country. These sessions give regional farmers a platform to share knowledge and ask questions about organic production systems and the organic certification process. OFRF recently hosted a farmer- and researcher-led Seeds of Success panel discussion on the [...]
Your Region, Your Research: What’s New on the Organic Research Hub
Finding organic farming research shouldn't feel like a scavenger hunt. See what's new on the Organic Research Hub, including: region-specific pages, 300+ vetted experts, Spanish-language access, and free printable factsheets built just for your area.
Start Here! An Organic Farmer/Rancher’s Guide to Government Programs
The USDA offers myriad programs to farmers and ranchers seeking financial and technical assistance support. But, with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start! OFRF has made a series of guides to demystify government programs, with easy, step-by-step application support.