New Frontiers
In addition to persistent gaps, OFRF’s comments elevate emerging issues that are gaining urgency within the organic community but have yet to be formally recognized by NOSB as research priorities. These priorities are less agronomic, but social and economic topics, like:
- Farmer mental health and quality of life;
- Labor conditions in organic production;
- Urban and peri-urban organic systems; and
- Organic risk management tools
Each of these issues touches on the broader vision of what organic can be: a model for ecological stewardship, social fairness, and economic resilience. As the organic sector continues to grow and diversify, these priorities reflect the lived experiences of producers and communities who are shaping its future. Without research to back that vision, the sector risks stalling in the face of increasing complexity, and missing opportunities to lead on truly transformative change.
Path Forward
OFRF’s message to the NOSB is hopefully clear: Don’t Stop Now. Keep setting bold, responsive research priorities. Keep building partnerships that turn those priorities into funded, actionable projects. And keep amplifying the voices of farmers, farmworkers, organic businesses, and communities that make the organic food system a living, evolving sector. With USDA research funding already stretched thin, it’s more important than ever that every dollar is guided by a grounded, farmer-centered vision. NOSB’s research recommendations play a pivotal role in ensuring that happens.
We thank the NOSB for its continued leadership and look forward to collaborating with the organic community to turn these priorities into reality. Stay tuned for more updates on our advocacy, and if you’re a researcher, technical service provider, or farmer with a story to share—we want to hear from you!
View the full copy of OFRF’s submitted written comments here.
