Apr 18, 2025
OFRF annual report highlights organic farming growth, research gains and policy progress
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) released its 2024 Annual Report, spotlighting a year of substantial progress in supporting organic and transitioning farmers across the U.S. through research funding, education, and policy advocacy.
In 2024, OFRF funded 10 farmer-led research projects and launched multiple new educational resources, including a Spanish-language soil health course and toolkits supporting USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative. The organization also introduced the “Organic Is Regenerative” campaign to communicate the climate benefits of organic agriculture to consumers and policymakers.
According to the report, OFRF directly supported more than 600 farmers through technical assistance, events and research funding, while reaching over 71,000 professionals through free digital resources. Notably, OFRF hosted over 70 meetings with federal lawmakers and agencies to advocate for organic-friendly policies and contributed to the advancement of key legislative proposals, including the Strengthening Organic Agricultural Research (SOAR) and Organic Science and Research Investment (OSRI) Acts.
The report highlights on-farm innovations such as occultation tarping at Verdant Phoenix Farm in Oregon, where OFRF-supported research demonstrated effective weed suppression and improved soil health without tilling. These trials exemplify OFRF’s emphasis on field-tested, farmer-driven solutions.
In addition, OFRF announced the launch of its Organic Research Hub, aimed at improving access to research for organic producers. The foundation also secured a new USDA NRCS cooperative agreement to enhance conservation training and community engagement efforts.
The organization emphasized the importance of public funding for agricultural research, noting a more than 20% decline in federal support over two decades. OFRF’s advocacy connected researchers directly with policymakers, including a highlighted meeting with Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s office to discuss organic solutions to fire blight, a disease impacting fruit growers nationwide.
Looking ahead, OFRF’s newly approved five-year strategic plan aims to deepen farmer support, strengthen climate resilience in agriculture and increase equity in the organic sector.
“This plan not only reinforces our commitment to fostering organic agriculture but also sets ambitious goals to broaden our community and deepen our commitment to equity. These goals will guide our efforts over the next five years, ensuring that organic farming is recognized as the leading form of agriculture, benefiting both farmers and the planet,” said April Thatcher, president of OFRF’s board of directors and founder of April Joy Farm.
