Non-profit organic groups are asking organic producers questions to better understand where to focus research in the organic sector.
The Organic Farming Research Foundation and the Organic Seed Alliance have released the first phase of the survey to a random group of farmers and ranchers. When that is complete, the groups plan to send the survey to all producers certified through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program.
“By implementing the closed, random sample survey first, we increase our ability to accurately identify the needs of organic farmers and ranchers,” Lauren Snyder, research and education program manager at the foundation, said in a news release. “The data we capture will inform the focus of applied organic research, as well as guide the development of educational and technical assistance programs to strengthen organic food systems and promote their widespread adoption.”
The results will be published in the National Organic Research Agenda and State of the Organic Seed report, and include recommendations by the groups to guide private research investments, according to the release.
The 2018 farm bill included $50 million in organic research funding, giving researchers an opportunity to tackle challenges inhibiting organic production, according to the release. The Organic Farming Research Foundation and the Organic Seed Alliance plan to release reports to ensure the funding is allocated to reflect the needs of organic producers, according to the release.
The survey is supported by a grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and Washington State University’s Social and Economic Science Research Center is distributing the survey.
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