Survey released for organic producers

The Organic Farming Research Foundation and Organic Seed Alliance recently released a national survey for certified organic producers.

This collaborative effort is part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded project seeking to learn more about the challenges and research priorities of organic farmers.

Both organizations and a broad coalition of organic champions were instrumental in securing an increase in federal funding for organic research from $20 million to $50 million in the 2018 Farm Bill. This increase provides an unprecedented opportunity for researchers to tackle challenges that inhibit the growth of organic production, and strong farmer participation in these surveys is critical to informing that investment.

Survey results will be published in updated versions of the foundation’s National Organic Research Agenda report and the alliance’s State of Organic Seed report, both of which have been invaluable resources for ensuring research funding is relevant and responsive to the needs of organic producers, while also identifying gaps where additional investment is necessary. By collaborating on these surveys, organizers from the foundation and the alliance hope to reduce survey fatigue and increase grower participation.

"OFRF 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," said Executive Director Brise Tencer.

To respond to the survey, certified organic farmers should go to www.opinion.wsu.edu/organicproduction/.