The Organic Farming Research Foundation and the Organic Seed Alliance have been given a $500,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative.
The organizations have been jointly awarded funding for their proposal titled “A National Agenda for Organic and Transitioning Research,” according to a news release. The funding will allow the groups to conduct national surveys of organic producers to help create an updated plan for future research projects, according to the release.
“The Organic Research and Extension Initiative is committed to advancing the research needed to meet the current challenges of organic farming, with the goal of creating a more resilient and ecologically sustainable agricultural system,” executive director of The Organic Farming Research Foundation, said in the release. “We are honored by the investment in this important work and believe this collaboration with the Organic Seed Alliance will both increase grower participation and strengthen the impact of our updated findings.”
The foundation’s 2016 National Organic Research Agenda report is a frequently cited resource that has helped ensure research funding is relevant and responsive to the needs of organic producers. The new funding will allow a refresh of that effort, according to the release.
“Understanding the research needs of organic farmers, including in the area of seed and plant breeding, is critical to the ongoing growth and success of organic agriculture,” Kiki Hubbard, co-leader of the Organic Seed Alliance’s State of Organic Seed project, said in the release.
“The Organic Seed Alliance is privileged to have the opportunity to partner with the Organic Farming Research Foundation on this critical project with strong support from the USDA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative program.” Federal funding for organic research rose from $20 million to $50 million in the 2018 Farm Bill.
