Organic Farming Research Foundation
Silicon Valley Social Venture FundMarch 21, 2011
Vision
Organic farming is the leading form of agriculture leading to healthy and resilient people, ecosystems, and economies
Mission
To foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic
farming systems.
How we have changed the world in the past 10 years
Significant conservation measures in place on farms as a result of our involvement with others to secure $50 million EQIP funding from USDA
Many Land Grant Universities have organic programs today due, in part, to our work to get research funding in the 2000 Farm Bill and our State of the States report
Organic Farmers are being heard in DC as a result of our Farmer Fly-Ins
Objective
Create the infrastructure so organic farming is viable, successful, profitable, and attractive
Organic Champions in Congress and Federal Agencies
Organic Programs in Universities
Continued Advancement of Organic Research Agenda
A broad and deep base of organic supporters
How We Move Forward
Assess and Clarify
Develop the Plan
Fully Implement
Key Decisions
How do we best use Multiple Benefits Report to “move the needle” in Congress, in Agencies, with environmental groups, consumers?
How do we best share our research results with farmers?
Should we build out a national organic organizing organization?
Where and how to start integrating organic into Universities?
Who are our strategic partners?
Methods
Conduct Organic Farmer Survey
Fund and conduct Multiple Benefits Communication Campaign Message Research
Conduct Land Grant Universities Assessment
Assess Impact and Efficacy of OFRF’s Grant Program
Methodscontinued
Complete Database Conversion
Fully Staff Policy Team
Fully Staff Development Team
Continue improvement of budget and expense monitoring
Assess internal needs of office: IT, space, equipment
Summary
2011 is the Year of Clarification
2012 is the Year of Plan Development
2013 is the Year of Fully Implementing
What we do today will determine
the farming of tomorrow