Iroquois Valley is proud to partner with the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF)  by supporting their research to learn more about the challenges and research priorities of organic farmers and ranchers, as well as farmers and ranchers transitioning land to certified organic production. The project includes two national surveys—one for certified organic producers, and the other for producers transitioning to organic certification.  The project includes two national surveys—one for certified organic producers, and the other for producers transitioning to organic certification. It is in collaboration with the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) and supported by the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This partnership will last through 2021. Our additional support for this initiative will help:

• Provide incentives to encourage survey participation from farmers
• Enable Iroquois Valley farmers to participate in listening sessions and provide feedback on their experiencing transitioning and farming organically
• Provide incentives to thank farmers who participate in focus group sessions at the following conferences across the US:
  • SSAWG
  • MOSES
  • EcoFarm
  • NOFA-NY
  • NFU
• Fund additional listening sessions at conferences Iroquois Valley helps target and identify
• Printing and sharing the final report in 2021

OFRF is a leader in organic agriculture advocacy, research, and education – over its 30 year history, it has been instrumental in highlighting the role of organic management in “building resiliency, restoring the health of our soils and waterways, and improving human health.” Iroquois Valley shares those beliefs and is proud to sponsor such relevant work within the organic agriculture community. The outcomes of OFRF’s transitioning and organic research will be invaluable to growing our shared movement.