Thanksgiving Gratitude: Advocating for Organic Research Funding

Written by Vinnie Trometter and Gordon Merrick of OFRF’s Policy Team

Advocacy in Action

Before dinner tables filled with friends and family on Thanksgiving, the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), along with organic agriculture researchers and farmers, had much to be grateful for. On November 20th, the agricultural secretaries of Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania presented a united front in a pivotal letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. They advocated for the inclusion of unreleased FY2025 funding for the Organic Agriculture Research Extension Initiative (OREI) in the FY2026 budget.

The Importance of OREI

This initiative, a cornerstone of USDA funding for the organic sector, allocates $50 million of the $72.5 million designated for addressing the pressing concerns of organic farmers each year. However, there was an unfortunate halt to progress this year; USDA’s failure to release a Request for Applications (RFA) for FY2025 meant no funding was disbursed, leaving researchers and farmers without crucial support.

Impact on Research

The implications of this delay are alarming. With no awards issued, researchers faced disruptions in their work, particularly regarding studies centered on emerging challenges within organic farming. OREI funding primarily benefits researchers at land-grant universities who engage in projects alongside certified organic farms. These partnerships are vital for enhancing the productivity of organic agriculture and improving market access for farmers.

A Growing Need for Organic Research

The urgency for initiatives that explore organic productivity and improve supply chains is underscored by the U.S.’s growing organic trade deficit and the troubling loss of over 16% of certified organic acreage since 2021. Meanwhile, consumer demand for organically produced products has soared, experiencing a 5.2% increase last year—a growth rate that outstrips the overall market.

A Positive Outcome

Shortly after the advocacy letter circulated, OFRF received confirmation from the USDA that FY2026 OREI funding would now encompass the funds originally allocated for FY2025. This decision is a significant victory and exemplifies the power of grassroots advocacy in influencing federal policy.

Call to Action

We encourage organic farmers, researchers, and stakeholders to engage actively with their state representatives and departments of agriculture. Sharing challenges and successes related to federal funding for organic agriculture research can help amplify efforts at multiple levels.

Stay Connected

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Eat well and breathe deep,

Vinnie and Gordon