SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Nov. 19, 2025 — The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has launched its 2025-2026 National Organic Farmer Survey, a nationwide effort to understand the challenges, priorities, and needs of organic and transitioning farmers. The survey will remain open through January 31, 2026, and will inform research, education, and policy decisions that directly impact the future of organic agriculture in the United States and across North America.
Since 1990, OFRF has worked to support the producers who grow the nation’s food and fiber. Farmer input is central to the organization’s work. Insights from previous surveys, including the 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), have guided farmer-led research projects, influenced university and Extension priorities, and helped policymakers direct more resources to organic producers.
“Organic farmers are experts in their fields, and their perspectives must guide decisions about agricultural research, education, and policy,” said Brise Tencer, executive director of OFRF. “This survey ensures that investments in the organic sector reflect the real needs of producers on the ground.”
The survey is open to all certified and in-transition organic farmers nationwide. Participation takes approximately 25 minutes, and upon completion, all respondents will receive a discount code to Johnny’s Selected Seeds and have the opportunity to enter to win prizes, including boots from The Original Muck Boot Company, FELCO pruners, and a farm consultation with a veteran organic farming expert.
Dr. Alex Woodley, associate professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University, emphasizes the importance of this survey: “It’s important to make it clear that the surveys OFRF conducts on farmers’ needs are incredibly valuable. I’ve used the results to justify knowledge gaps in my grants, and that’s been really important. Getting a pulse on what farmers need right now is something we don’t always know—especially because I’m in research, not full Extension—so these surveys have been really important to me.”
Farmers can access by emailing communications[at]ofrf.org. The survey is available in English and Spanish, and paper copies are available upon request. The 2022 NORA report, which shares the findings from the most recent survey, can be found at www.ofrf.org/research/nora/.
– end –
About Organic Farming Research Foundation
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, with a remote team based across the U.S., works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF cultivates organic research, education, and federal policies that bring more farmers and acreage into organic production. For more information about OFRF, please visit our website: www.ofrf.org.
Media Contact
Ashley Dulaney, Communications Director, OFRF
ashley[at]ofrf.org, (518) 310-6771
P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
Photo in featured image: Claire Lichtenfels, Whitestone Mountain Orchard in Tonasket, WA
