SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — In national surveys of organic producers, the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) often hears from farmers that they consider peers to be the best source of information and guidance. In-person events such as farmer conferences also rate high on the learning scale.
Unfortunately, the challenges of this year have severely restricted these opportunities. And, even in active organic communities, some farmers lack access to these networks due to cultural, language and other differences. Virtual peer learning programs can offer a solution by providing networking opportunities among farmers, both during the immediate crisis and on an ongoing basis.
To increase understanding of how virtual peer learning can help more farmers increase their knowledge and improve their practices, OFRF has awarded a grant to Sarah Brown at Oregon Tilth. Unlike traditional distance learning such as online courses and instructional webinars, these programs are explicitly designed to use web technology for the reciprocal sharing of knowledge, ideas, and experience among practitioners. The research team is focused on improving the design and delivery of virtual peer learning programs that support organic farmers to strengthen their economic viability and ecological sustainability—with the ultimate goal of helping more farmers start and succeed in organic farming.
Visit the OFRF research grant database for more information on this project. All results will be shared freely upon submission of Brown’s final report.
This announcement marks the last of 13 grants OFRF awarded in 2020 to help address the top challenges facing organic farmers and ranchers. View a summary of the grant announcements here.
As a result of OFRF’s research, education, and outreach efforts, thousands of farmers have received pertinent research and training information. Results from all OFRF-funded projects are available to access for free in their online database.
— Organic Farming Research Foundation
For more articles on organic, click here.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
WASHINGTON — To provide critical support for the most promising and impactful research and solutions to advance organic agriculture, The Organic Center (TOC) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) announced six awards totaling $627,000 to projects that advance organic farming through much-needed training, technical support and innovative climate research. Organic farming is poised to be part […]
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are working to expand international export markets for Texas-grown organic fruits and vegetables by collaborating with producers and the produce industry. Texas A&M AgriLife will lead the research on a new project to assess export opportunities for Texas-grown organic fruits and vegetables. (Stock photo) […]
DAVIS, Calif. — Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has published the new California Organic Research Agenda (CORA), a comprehensive report that examines current needs and challenges of organic farmers and ranchers across California and provides policy and research recommendations to address producer-identified issues. The CORA report is a companion to OFRF’s 2022 National Organic Research Agenda. […]
WASHINGTON — Organic food once was viewed as a niche category for health nuts and hippies, but today it’s a routine choice for millions of Americans. For years following passage of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, which established national organic standards, consumers had to seek out organic products at food co-ops and farmers […]
