General News
Planting for Resilience
Farmer and OFRF Board President, April Thatcher discusses the critical role that cover crops play in building soil health and resiliency in a farm ecosystem. Discover the lessons she's learned from years of cover cropping, and the new cover cropping resources that OFRF has available for farmers.
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.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: A Different Chick Farm
Tiffany Stanley runs A Different Chick Farm, a Certified Organic family farm on just under 6 acres in Johnson City, Tennessee. She is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) Program to explore options for making on-farm compost to reduce input needs and increase fertility on her farm.
From Classrooms to Congress
As Julie Nelson, former intern at OFRF, moves onto the next chapter, she reflects on her experience gaining experience with food and agricultural policy and advocacy work in the US, while building professional confidence during her internship.
Why Technical Note 12 Is Such a Big Deal
Discover how Technical Note 12 enhances access to conservation programs for organic farms. Learn how to use it and get tips for working with your NRCS office.
Organic Practices and Systems on Non-Certified Land
Learn how organic principles can benefit both certified and conventional systems, improving soil health, biodiversity, and resilience against climate change. OFRF invites producers managing organically on non-certified land to share their experiences, helping to strengthen the case for increased organic research funding to find agricultural solutions that benefit all farmers.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Salad Days Farm
Maggie Dungan runs Salad Days Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, a diverse vegetable operation situated on 30 acres and certified organic since 2015. She is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) Program to learn more about the temporal and population effect of solarization on the beneficial microbes in the high tunnel.
A Commitment to Community and the Land
Greentree Naturals Farm is a beacon of organic farming in Northern Idaho. For over three decades they have cultivated a rich diversity of vegetables, herbs, and more, while championing community education and environmental stewardship. This feature explores their commitment to organic farming, innovative research, and the challenges they face.
Understanding the Impact of Herbicides and Synthetic Fertilizers on Soil Health
Optimally functioning soil biota is essential to healthy agro-ecosystems — it feeds crops, enhances resilience, protects water quality, and contributes to long-term farm viability. This article addresses growing concerns about the impact of agrochemicals, including herbicides and synthetic fertilizers, on soil health, diving into recent research to uncover the facts, and the uncertainties.
Not All Tillage Is Created Equal
Organic farmers face criticism for tillage, but research shows that balanced tillage can improve soil health while effectively managing weeds. Learn more in this post.
The Impact of Agricultural Research on USDA Conservation Programs
Climate change threatens our food supply. Underfunding of agricultural research hinders efforts to protect our environment and support farmers, but organic agriculture can play a critical role in building resilience.
Ensuring a Sustainable Future With My Legacy to OFRF
Discover how planned giving to OFRF ensures a sustainable future for organic farming and environmental stewardship, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Jorge Reyes
Jorge Reyes owns a 3-acre vineyard located in Potrero, California where he is transitioning to organic certification, and plans to produce organic wine. He is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trials Program to test mulch applications on his grape vines.
Championing Organic Research
The Salinas ARS station is a hub of organic research, but that has not always been the case. OFRF has worked with organic champions in Congress to develop this thriving example of the potential and necessity of on-the ground organic research, and now it needs protection!
Organic Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Ajay Nair
In this fourth OFRF Organic Researcher Spotlight, we take a look at the work of Dr. Ajay Nair, Chair of the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. His latest OREI-funded research evaluates crop rotations and coop designs for integrating poultry with organic vegetable production.
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Verdant Phoenix Farm
Rhianna Simes, M.S.Ed. owns and operates Verdant Phoenix Farm, a 10-acre certified organic, no-till, urban farm and education center located in Jackson County, Oregon. She is participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) Program to test the success of occultation as opposed to tillage as a field preparation solution for no-till farming.
From Global Insights to Local Impact, an intern perspective
As Marina Vergara, former intern at OFRF, moves onto the next chapter, she reflects on her experience gaining knowledge about organic farming in the US and building professional confidence through research and project management with OFRF. She is excited to apply her learnings at her new role as a Community Outreach Farmer.
The Importance of Community and Collaboration in Organic Agriculture Research
Through a new Researcher & Extension Agent affinity group in the West/Southwestern region, OFRF is helping to foster community within the organic farming sector, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
The Song of One Thrush: Why We Need Each Other to Build a Healthier Food System
Our Board President, April Jones Thatcher, offers a heartfelt reflection on the joys and challenges of organic farming. In her inspiring call to action, April explores how you can be part of a healthier food system. Read her message and discover how your choices can cultivate a more sustainable future for our communities and our planet.
OFRF and 90 Partners Issue Urgent Call for More Organic Research Funding in Farm Bill
The Organic Farming Research Foundation leads a coalition of 90 farms, organizations, institutions, and businesses urging Congress to boost organic research funding in the next Farm Bill to bolster sustainability and economic growth.
