Announced the 2023 Organic Center–FFAR joint Organic Research Program and invited applications for innovative projects that supported farm productivity and resiliency. The program prioritized projects that emphasized systems-based approaches and cross-sector partnerships to strengthen the organic sector.
Over the course of the program, research and extension projects were funded in the total amount of $1,414,637.28.
The Organic Center and FFAR supported projects that connected below- and above-ground ecosystem health and farm profitability, exploring the relationship between soil health, productivity, and resilience.
Funded projects reflected these priorities through innovative research and extension initiatives across the United States including:
Building Out Networks for Training Ag Professionals and Farmer Leaders through OGRAIN
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin
This project expanded networks of support for organic grain producers in the Midwest by building out educational resources, facilitating Extension partnerships, and coordinating in-person and online training focused on production, financial management, and marketing of organic grains.
Organic Training for Agricultural Professionals
Oregon Tilth, Oregon
This initiative developed educational opportunities for producers, agency staff, consumers, and policymakers, sharing on-farm and university-based research to accelerate organic learning. The project provided science-based training to help producers transition and improve organic crop systems.
Advancing Organic Education and Farmer Engagement
Kalona Regenerative Network, Iowa
This project strengthened organic and regenerative production through hands-on education and outreach. Workshops trained producers in financial planning, record-keeping, grazing management, pasture recovery, and organic certification. Over 70 producers and consumers participated in four events showcasing organic dairy practices and transition pathways.
Bridging Language Barriers in Virtual Learning for Agricultural Professionals
Rodale Institute, Pennsylvania
This project expanded Rodale Institute’s online education portal, training farmers and agricultural professionals nationwide in organic and regenerative farming methods. The updated platform enhanced multilingual access and supported successful transitions to organic production.
Building Capacity and Credibility in Organic Advising
Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), Washington, D.C.
This project improved the effectiveness of OATS’ professional development for agricultural advisors by conducting a national landscape analysis to guide recruitment, training, and network-building. The team produced durable educational resources, including videos, fact sheets, and podcast episodes on emerging issues in organic advising.
Investigating the Re-Integration of Organic Food Crops and Animal Production on Above- and Belowground Biodiversity, Soil Health, Farm Resilience, and Food Safety
Purdue University, Indiana
This research identified strategies for integrated crop–livestock systems (ICS) through replicated field trials, evaluating impacts on soil microbiome diversity, pathogen presence, and economic feasibility to improve resilience and food safety on organic farms.
A Deeper Dive: Linking Below-Ground Soil and Water Quality with Above-Ground Productivity in Organic Systems
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Iowa
This long-term study examined how crop rotations influence water quality, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and farm profitability, enhancing understanding of the economic and environmental viability of organic systems.
Integration of Agroforestry as a Transformative Solution to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Organic Farms
University of Tennessee–Knoxville, Tennessee
This project tested the feasibility of agroforestry as a tool for climate mitigation and adaptation in Southeastern organic farms, addressing challenges of marginal soils and subtropical climates to build sustainable, climate-resilient systems.
The Organic Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and education organization based out of Washington D.C. Our mission is to conduct and convene credible, evidence-based science on the environmental and health effects of organic food and farming and communicate the findings to the public.