Gordon's Policy Corner Archives - Organic Farming Research Foundation

From Farm to Policy: Organic Agriculture and Public Health

Elizabeth Tobey — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:19:31 +0000

This month’s policy corner is written by Annika La Fave, our 2023 Fall Policy & Communications Intern. It dives into the challenges faced by farmers at the intersections of policy, research, and public health within the organic farming landscape.

The post From Farm to Policy: Organic Agriculture and Public Health appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

The Role of Long-Term Research in Sustainable Agriculture

Elizabeth Tobey — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:04:13 +0000

Climate change has a significant impact on agriculture, particularly organic farming which is more dependent on natural systems. Long-term agroecological research is critical in understanding how different farming practices can build resilience against climate change.

The post The Role of Long-Term Research in Sustainable Agriculture appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

Unpredictable Times in Agriculture and Policy

Elizabeth Tobey — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 18:45:41 +0000

This month, Gordon’s Policy Corner looks at the parallels between the worlds of politics and agriculture, and their shared need for predictability and adherence to deadlines: Climate change disrupts farming with unpredictable weather patterns, and political unpredictability in Washington, D.C. affects legislative actions. The dynamics of climate instability and political gridlock are deeply interconnected. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, there is a powerful action we can all take to influence change: effectively communicating to legislators and policymakers how these issues impact our lives. The Communicating with Legislators workshops equip participants with insights into legislative processes and encourage active involvement in shaping the future of the agriculture sector during these uncertain times.

The post Unpredictable Times in Agriculture and Policy appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

Gordon’s Policy Corner: Navigating September’s Shifts

Elizabeth Tobey — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 18:07:51 +0000

In September, as the seasons shift and government fiscal year deadlines loom, the world of organic farming faces a series of transitions. The blog discusses the uncertainty surrounding government funding and the Farm Bill, emphasizing the need for continued engagement with policymakers. It also highlights OFRF's efforts to equip individuals in the organic farming community with tools to engage with legislators and encourages the sharing of information on organic field days and relevant newsletters. The blog emphasizes the importance of staying connected and working collectively to support the growth of organic agriculture.

The post Gordon’s Policy Corner: Navigating September’s Shifts appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

What August Recess means for Organic Ag Advocacy

Elizabeth Tobey — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:28:37 +0000

This month's Policy Corner has a guest author, OFRF Policy and Communications Intern, Adam Bagul. As August Recess sweeps Senators and Representatives out of DC and back to their home districts, Adam explains what this means for constituents who can use this opportunity to speak with policy-makers and advocate for organics.

The post What August Recess means for Organic Ag Advocacy appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

OSRI Act Introduced

Elizabeth Tobey — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 23:30:10 +0000

Today, the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is happy to deliver to the leadership of Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry a letter in support of the Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act. OFRF and the undersigned believe this bill represents significant investments into answering research questions that organic producers continue to grapple with. [...]

The post OSRI Act Introduced appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

Organic Agriculture & Research in a Changing Climate

Elizabeth Tobey — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 20:22:18 +0000

This year's extreme weather events have highlighted the immediate hazards of climate change. The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is witnessing the impact firsthand, with staff reporting historic tornadoes, hail, droughts, floods, and wildfires across the nation. Despite the urgent need for action, there is a lack of urgency in Washington, D.C. to address these issues. OFRF is advocating for bills in Congress and emphasizing the crucial role of agricultural research programs. With a decline in public funding for agricultural research, OFRF aims to gather stories and urge policymakers to invest in research and conservation to tackle climate challenges.

The post Organic Agriculture & Research in a Changing Climate appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

From Fields to Research Labs: how your story can inspire change

Elizabeth Tobey — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:48:43 +0000

In Vermont, the first cutting of hay is being dried and bailed, ewes and their lambs are headed to pasture, and crops are getting in the ground. In DC, marker bills are being introduced and cosponsors corralled. Sometimes with policy work it’s a hurry up and wait game! During this small lull in updates from DC, we wanted to take this opportunity to devote this month’s Policy Corner to ask you, dear reader, a favor: Can you take a moment to share your story as a researcher or a farmer interacting with organic agriculture research?

The post From Fields to Research Labs: how your story can inspire change appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

The Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act is here!

Elizabeth Tobey — Thu, 25 May 2023 15:25:39 +0000

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) delivered to the leadership of House Agriculture Committees a letter in support of the Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research (SOAR) Act. OFRF and the undersigned believe this bill represents significant investments into answering research questions that organic producers continue to grapple with.

The post The Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act is here! appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

Gordon’s Policy Corner: Organic Week with OTA

Elizabeth Tobey — Fri, 12 May 2023 23:24:51 +0000

OFRF’s Policy and Programs Manager, Gordon Merrick recently traveled to DC to participate in the Organic Trade Association’s Organic Week. He met with members of Congress from both major political parties and found that they and their staff are increasingly aware of the benefits of organic farming and why the industry deserves support from the Farm Bill. OFRF has worked with Representatives in the House to introduce the Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act (SOAR Act) and is working with allies in the Senate to draft a companion bill.

The post Gordon’s Policy Corner: Organic Week with OTA appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.