Gordon’s Policy Corner

Gordon’s Policy Corner2023-05-16T18:05:01+00:00

Gordon’s Policy Corner

Gordon Merrick is OFRF’s Policy & Programs Manager. Here he shares periodic updates on what’s happening at the intersection of organic agriculture and policy.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Organic Agriculture: OFRF’s Policy Priorities for the Future

At OFRF, we believe that strategic, science-based policies can unlock the full potential of organic farming. Our new Policy Priorities align research investments with market opportunities, enhance technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and farmworkers, and strengthen the incentive structures that reward sustainable stewardship of our natural, social, and economic resources.

Looking Back, Planning Ahead: The Farm Bill, Government Funding, and Political Gridlock

As we move into 2025 we’re taking a look back at what happened with agricultural policy in 2024, and what it means for the year ahead. Discover what the legislative calendar has in store, what government funding caps means for organic farmers, and what you can do to insure that organic farming, research, and education is recognized and supported in Washington.

Agricultural Runoff: Organic Practices as a Method for Marine Conservation

This month, our Policy & Programs intern takes a deep dive into the intersection of agriculture and marine health, highlighting how agricultural runoff impacts our oceans and estuaries. As a Religious Studies major and Oceanography minor, Jazea's unique perspective bridges land and sea, offering insights into the consequences of conventional farming practices on marine ecosystems, and the solutions that organic systems offer.

A Landscape Shift: Opportunities and Challenges for Organic Agriculture Under a Trump Administration

What do this year’s election results mean for the Organic Farming Research Foundation and organic agriculture at large? With a Trump presidency and a solid, multi-seat Republican majority in the Senate, the USDA will likely be shaped and directed in line with the new administration’s vision.

First Frost and Federal Deadlines

Discover why the Farm Bill and federal appropriations processes are crucial for organic agriculture and climate resilience. Learn how pending deadlines could impact funding for vital agricultural research and conservation programs. Join us in advocating for increased investment in organic practices that benefit farmers, researchers, and communities alike.

How Research Helps Farmers

In Gordon's Policy Corner this month, we look at how agricultural research transcends boundaries between conventional and organic farming, offering invaluable insights to enhance sustainability and profitability for all growers. From economic viability to ecological vitality, explore the synergistic benefits of organic management and the critical need for continued federal funding to support agricultural resilience.

Organic Research Funding

Recent developments in the Presidential Budget Request for fiscal year 2025 (PBR25) reveal a concerning decrease in funding specifically allocated for organic-dedicated competitive grant programs. In this blog, we look at the justifications given for these policy changes, and discuss the impacts that will follow if these changes are made and why the role of organic agriculture has never been more crucial.

From Regulations to Legislation: Advocating for Organic Agriculture in 2024

2024 presents a challenging political landscape with pending appropriations, a new Farm Bill deadline, and a Presidential election fast approaching. OFRF chooses to view all these events as opportunities to advocate for increased public investments in organic agriculture research and to ensure that organic agriculture gets its fair share of USDA research funding.

Organic Agriculture Shines in the Face of 2023’s Challenges

2023 has been a year marked by environmental distress and political upheaval, but the organic sector emerged as a stronghold of resilience and progress. Amidst the disquieting headlines of the hottest recorded summer and unprecedented political twists, there are several organic milestones worth celebrating. This blog post focuses on those moments of light amid the darkness.

Unpredictable Times in Agriculture and Policy

This month, Gordon’s Policy Corner looks at the parallels between the worlds of politics and agriculture, and their shared need for predictability and adherence to deadlines: Climate change disrupts farming with unpredictable weather patterns, and political unpredictability in Washington, D.C. affects legislative actions. The dynamics of climate instability and political gridlock are deeply interconnected.

Navigating September’s Shifts: Farm Bill Policy, Funding Implications, and Ways to Stay Engaged

As the seasons shift and government fiscal year deadlines loom, the world of organic farming faces a series of transitions, and uncertainty surrounding government funding and the Farm Bill. It is a critical time to continue to engage with policymakers, and to work collectively to support the growth of organic agriculture.

Go to Top