General News
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.
Organic Farmers Lead the Way Toward Climate-Smart Agriculture
At Lazy Eight Stock Farm, farmer Bryce Baumann has worked with local NRCS agents in Kentucky to transition to organic production, and is now implementing practices to reduce plastic use and protect soil through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program coordinated by the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK).
Updates and a Hard Look at Organic Agriculture Research in the 2024 Farm Bill
This month Gordon’s Policy Corner takes a hard look at the latest updates to the 2024 Farm Bill, the implications for organic farming research in particular, and how the Organic Farming Research Foundation is continuing to advocate for organics.
Farmer Led Trials Program Spotlight: Bob Quinn
Bob Quinn is a well-known fourth generation organic farmer growing grains in the plains of Montana. His farm grows winter wheat, alfalfa, and other grains. He is participating in OFRF's Farmer Led Trials (FLT) Program to work on developing a cold-hardy landrace winter wheat variety that's well-adapted for organic farming in the mountain west region.
7 Ways to Build Successful Research Partnerships with Organic Farmers
Are you unsure if your organic farming research is reaching the farmers who need it most? Our experienced growers have the answers! This post shares their insights on creating successful and mutually beneficial research partnerships.
OFRF Awarded USDA NRCS Cooperative Agreement
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is pleased to announce its five-year cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to enhance organic agriculture businesses' access to vital conservation programs.
Win-Win for Everyone
Keith Richards is the Chair of the OFRF Board of Directors. Here he shares what motivates him to support OFRF through annual donations and board service. And he offers a list of creative ways to donate, so that you can contribute to a "healthy agriculture that makes good use of resources and sustains life."
Farmer-Led Trials Program Spotlight: Green Things Farm Collective
Nathan Lada is one of the four co-owners of Green Things Farm Collective, a diversified vegetable farm located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The farmers produce an array of fresh market vegetables and cut flowers for CSA memberships, farmers markets, small grocery and small wholesale markets. They are participating in OFRF's Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) Program to experiment with different crop configurations for better production of beets and radishes.
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.
