Organic Farming Research Foundation works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF cultivates organic research, education, and federal policies that bring more farmers and acreage into organic production.
OFRF NEWS
What to Know about High Tunnels for Vegetable Production in the Southeast
Based on a webinar and recent research from Dr. Xin Zhao, this post shares the importance of high tunnels for organic vegetable production in the Southeast and discusses challenges faced by growers in the region, and research outcomes related to temperature regulation, insect pressure, fogging systems, shade and light management, with recommendations for optimizing production and addressing environmental factors.
Organic Research Funding
Recent developments in the Presidential Budget Request for fiscal year 2025 (PBR25) reveal a concerning decrease in funding specifically allocated for organic-dedicated competitive grant programs. In this blog, we look at the justifications given for these policy changes, and discuss the impacts that will follow if these changes are made and why the role of organic agriculture has never been more crucial.
Farmer Led Trials Program Spotlight: Colby Farms
Tim and Becky Colby own Colby Farms, a 14 acre farm in Papillion, Nebraska, where they produce vegetables, fruits and some livestock products for their community. They are participating in OFRF's Farmer Led Trials (FLT) Program to research the best cover crop options for reducing soil compaction on their farm.
Growing Together, one year with the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program
This month Gordon’s Policy Corner reflects on a year of achievements with the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program in the West/Southwest region (TOPP-W/SW, including toolkits for accessing farmer support funding, and other resources to empower farmers transitioning to organic practices.
Beyond Buzzwords: Organic is Regenerative
The term ‘regenerative’ has gained widespread traction, but definitions vary widely. It has caught the attention of consumers interested in the impact of their food choices, and farmers and policymakers looking for ways to adapt to or mitigate climate change. But organic is already regenerative.
Organic Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Dil Thavarajah
New cultivars of pulse crops (lentils, chickpeas, and field peas) may soon be available to organic farmers! These improved varieties are under development through a project led by Dr Dil Thavarajah at Clemson State University (CSU).