Organic Agricultural Research in the Farm Bill.

Organic Research and Policy Update With the debate around the Farm Bill ramping up in Washington, D.C. and around the country, the Organic Farming Research Founding (OFRF) is committed to advocating for increased support for American organic farmers and producers. Despite the growth in the organic sector, American farmers and producers are struggling to keep up with the growing consumer demand for organic products. Research underpins every aspect of successful farming systems, yet the federal investment in organic research has remained stagnant for almost a decade. Outlined in OFRF’s National Organic Research Agenda are comprehensive recommendations for future investment in organic research. Additionally, OFRF’s analysis of previous USDA organic research investments highlights the important role that organic research plays in advancing agriculture. By combining our analysis of previous USDA investment in organic research with our comprehensive set of organic research recommendations, OFRF is leading advocacy efforts to increase federal investment in organic research. As OFRF engages in critical debates around the next Farm Bill, we seek to highlight the research needs of the organic sector, and educate policy makers on the important role that organic research plays in our fields, our universities, and our planet. At this meeting, the OFRF will highlight key points from our organic research agenda, as well as important data from our analysis of USDA organic research investments. In addition to our research, we will provide an organic policy update to inform the scientists, professionals, educators, and students of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America on the Farm Bill debate happening in Washington, D.C. We will share updates on the current organic agricultural policies being addressed by Congress, any issues around the research title, as well as the general outline and timing of the Farm Bill.