OFRF believes in supporting organic farmers and ranchers in their constant search for innovation and farm profitability. The Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) program puts farmers in the driver’s seat and recognizes their wisdom, experimentation, and problem-solving skills. Built in the spirit of curiosity and collaboration, this program supports farmers and ranchers in conducting impactful research that can address their unique challenges. The FLT provides farmers with technical assistance and a small amount of funding to investigate and learn about solutions to their most pressing production challenges.
In this forum, you will hear from four of the organic farmers in the 2024 FLT cohort:
- Maggie Dungan (Salad Days Farm, KY),
- Jorge Reyes (Reyes Vineyard, CA),
- Nathan Lada (Green Things Farm Collective, MI), and
- Rhianna Simes (Verdant Phoenix Farm, OR).
OFRF staff will also provide an overview of steps to conduct on-farm research trials, share opportunities to participate in the program, and explain how it can impact your farm operation.