Latest OFRF News
USDA NIFA Announces 2025 Organic Transitions Program Awards
This week USDA-NIFA announced seven new research project awards through the Organic Transitions Program (ORG), totaling over $6 million to support a better understanding of the processes of organic transition and the best ways to support farmers who are in that process.
OFRF Launches National Organic Farmer Survey to Shape the Future of Organic Agriculture
OFRF has launched its National Organic Farmer Survey, which is conducted every few years, to understand the challenges, priorities, and needs of organic and transitioning farmers across the country. Insights from previous surveys, including the 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), have guided farmer-led research projects, influenced university and Extension priorities, and helped policymakers direct more resources to organic producers.
Advancing Organic Agriculture: Examining How to Make the Midwest a Center of Organic Oat and Buckwheat Production with Congressman Scott Fitzgerald
Dr. Nicole Tautges is looking to small grain production in the Midwest to create big change in healthier diets, more resilient farming systems, and stronger local food economies. Her research explores how organic oat and buckwheat production can offer a more nutritious option than wheat and excel in organic crop rotation practices.
How OFRF is Building Bipartisan Support for Organic Research Programs in Congress
At a moment when the organic sector is the fastest growing segment of U.S. agriculture, the need for its fair share of research investments has never been clearer. That's why we are working hard to build bipartispan support for the Organic Science and Research Investment (OSRI) Act. Discover how the OSRI Act will support all producers.
Funding On-Farm Innovation: SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants
Learn how organic and transitioning farms can access the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program with our new step-by-step guide.
The Organic Science and Research Investment Act: What It Is and How It Benefits All Farmers
Developed with OFRF’s leadership, the bipartisan Organic Science and Research Investment (OSRI) Act—introduced by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07)—expands USDA funding for organic research that benefits all farmers and strengthens the future of American agriculture.
Addressing Challenges Farmers Face in the Great Lakes
Organic farmers face unique challenges in every part of the country. In this article, we look at challenges faced by organic farmers in the Great Lakes, and dive into resources available on the Organic Research Hub that could help farmers address them.
OFRF Announces Applications Opening for 2026 Farmer-Led Trials Program
The Organic Farming Research Foundation is excited to announce that applications are open for the next cohort of organic farmers who will be leading on-farm research trials with OFRF technical assistance in 2026.
The Government Shutdown: What it Means for Organic Farming and Research
In the midst of a government shutdown, with no clear end in sight, organic farming and research is taking a hit. A complete freeze in all federal work directly affects the nation’s programming at USDA, especially for organic producers and the agricultural research they depend on. This month’s Policy Corner breaks it down.
Two Years of Farmer-Led Trials
As we wrap up the second cohort of Farmer-Led Trials, and prepare to open applications for the third season, OFRF’s Research & Education Program Manager, Mary Hathaway reflects on the lessons, challenges, and highlights of supporting farmers in conducting their own research trials.
