The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) reviewed 189 USDA-funded organic research, education, and extension projects supported by the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and Organic Transitions (ORG) programs from 2002 to 2014. With $142.2 million invested, these projects advanced knowledge on soil health, crop and livestock management, pest and disease control, and plant breeding.
Farmers were actively engaged in on-farm trials, field days, and advisory roles, ensuring research addressed real-world challenges. Outcomes included new cultivars, management practices, manuals, and digital resources, with many projects laying the groundwork for long-term innovations.
OFRF’s assessment underscores the importance of sustained federal funding, producer engagement, and targeted dissemination to maximize the impact of organic research. Download the full report to explore detailed findings, recommendations, and examples of projects that have shaped modern organic farming.
