OFRF Launches National Organic Farmer Survey to Shape the Future of Organic Agriculture

Nov 21, 2025

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has launched its 2025-2026 National Organic Farmer Survey, a nationwide effort to understand the challenges, priorities, and needs of organic and transitioning farmers. The survey will remain open through January 31, 2026, and will inform research, education, and policy decisions that directly impact the future of organic agriculture in the United States and across North America.

Since 1990, OFRF has worked to support the producers who grow the nation’s food and fiber. Farmer input is central to the organization’s work. Insights from previous surveys, including the 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), have guided farmer-led research projects, influenced university and Extension priorities, and helped policymakers direct more resources to organic producers.

“Organic farmers are experts in their fields, and their perspectives must guide decisions about agricultural research, education, and policy,” said Brise Tencer, executive director of OFRF. “This survey ensures that investments in the organic sector reflect the real needs of producers on the ground.”

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Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.