Advancing Organic Agriculture: Dr. Walter Goldstein on Nitrogen-Fixing Corn with Congressman Steil
Dr. Walter Goldstein’s research is proving that you can breed organic corn varieties with similar yields to conventional corn that are competitive against weeds without the need to use synthetic fertilizers or herbicides. This work has huge implications on the future of corn production, climate resilience, and food security, and Dr. Goldstein is committed to sharing his story with the policymakers who need to know.
Organic Farmers Withstand Climate Change with Living Soils and Regional Seed Breeding
Over 80 certified organic farmers collaborate on the Organic Microbiome Project, a participatory research project led by Cornell University. By analyzing shifts in soil life and plant defenses where farmers are utilizing different farming practices, insights about resiliency to the stresses caused by extreme weather may be emerging.
Farm Bill, Appropriations, and the Clock Ticking Toward September 30
This month’s Gordon’s Policy Corner comes from Vermont, where OFRF joined the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s Summer Meeting. From Farm Bill and appropriations deadlines to shifts in how Congress and the Administration work together, we break down what’s at stake for farmers, researchers, and advocates. Now is the time to connect with your representatives and USDA officials to ensure your voice is heard.
Fields of Possibility: Tribal Food Sovereignty and Organic Agriculture
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions. In a recent conversation with OFRF, we explored the history of Federal Indian Policy, its lasting impacts on food sovereignty, and the intersections with organic agriculture.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Parker Farms
Parker Farms, located in Warren, Ohio, is a small farm with a big heart, serving their community fresh, locally grown produce and promoting sustainable, urban agriculture. Farmer Markisha Parker, is in the second year of transitioning the farm to certified organic, and is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trial Program to experiment with a variety of mulches to help manage moisture on her organic tomatoes.
Help Us Strengthen Conservation Access for Organic Operations
Organic farmers deserve a seat at the table. OFRF and the National Organic Coalition are urging USDA’s NRCS to better support organic practices in key conservation standards—and your voice can help make it happen. Submit a comment by July 30 using our simple tool and speak up for soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Advancing Organic Agriculture: Sharing Corn Research with Congressmen Burchett and Ogles
Researchers have a powerful role to play in policy conversations and Dr. Renata Nave Oakes, is a great example. A researcher at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Oakes recently met with Congressmen Burchett and Ogles to share how she is using the Organic Transitions Program to research how to improve soil health, reduce weed pressure, enhance nitrogen availability through biological fixation, and ultimately make organic corn production more profitable and practical for farmers.
Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP): Insurance Options for Organic and Transitioning Growers
New to WFRP or not sure it applies to your farm? Our latest toolkit breaks down Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and shows how organic and transitioning growers can use it to protect diverse operations and income streams.
What’s Going On? A Brief Update on What’s Happening in DC
With endless stops and starts, shifting deadlines, and overlapping processes, it can be hard to track what actually matters in the federal policy spheres. At OFRF, we want to keep our community grounded in the real implications for organic research and the systems that support and benefit from it. This month’s Policy Corner provides brief updates on some of the processes we are engaged in, and how you can help support that work.
Advancing Organic Agriculture: Sharing Tomato Research with Senators Tillis and Budd
Dr. Dilip Panthee, an organic tomato researcher at North Carolina State University recently met with staff from Senators Tillis and Budd to talk about the importance of funding organic research. Learn how his work developing disease-resistant tomatoes is helping farmers—and why researchers have a powerful role to play in policy conversations.
