How does a RERM work?
Every RERM begins with introductions and refreshments, followed by short federal policy updates. Policy updates may cover topics including: (1) how/when to apply for federal research grants through the USDA’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and Organic Transitions Program (ORG), (2) Farm Bill and/or Agriculture Appropriations updates, and (3) participant advocacy opportunities, such as OFRF’s free, virtual Communicating with Legislators Course.
Afterwards, the floor is opened for structured networking, during which attendees may be sectioned into smaller groups. Participants are provided with a short list of prepared discussion questions to guide conversation, although they are encouraged to use these questions as launching points for deeper, more personalized discussions.
Sample discussion questions from the Texas RERM included:
What research projects are you or your colleagues currently working on (or recently completed)? What are some of the biggest takeaways from this work?
What are some of the most common production/non-production challenges that organic producers in your region deal with? Are there knowledge gaps pertaining to these challenges?
Where would you like to take your research next, and what resources would you need to make that happen? Is there a realistic collaboration within this room?
The Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems (SFFFS) RERM is the third of these unique sessions to take place in 2026. Other RERMs were conducted earlier this year, at the High Plains Organic Conference (Cheyenne, WY) and the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference (La Crosse, WI), bringing together a combined 30+ organic researchers and professionals.
