OFRF Facilitates USDA Agricultural Research Service Tour with Rep. Jimmy Panetta, Co-Sponsor of Ag Resilience Act

 

 Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) toured the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Salinas, Calif. with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), a co-sponsor for H.R. 2803, the Agricultural Resilience Act (ARA). This tour of the natural fields came about on Saturday, January 15, 2022, and marks the second time Rep. Panetta’s congressional workplace has visited the ARS web site with OFRF. “Central Coast farmers and ranchers have always been on the leading edge of organic production, thanks to their hard work and partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and organizations like the Organic Farming Research Foundation,” mentioned Congressman Panetta. “I remain committed to elevating the needs of the organic producers I proudly represent, so they can continue to have the tools they need to adapt to climate stressors, invest in soil health, and succeed in the twenty-first century.”

 

The Congressman and others in attendance have been led on a tour by Dr. Eric Brennan, USDA Research Horticulturist. Dr. Brennan beforehand was awarded an OFRF on-farm analysis grant and his employees place at ARS was closely advocated by OFRF practically 20 years in the past. He is the one devoted natural ARS researcher within the nation and his place is admittedly underfunded. Tour group members shared with Rep. Panetta their want for a rise in funding for natural at ARS countrywide, with a transparent nationwide technique on how the company can higher serve the natural farming neighborhood. “There could be an incredible opportunity to hire additional scientists and technicians to grow organic research,” mentioned Brise Tencer, Executive Director for Organic Farming Research Foundation. The tour dialogue additionally touched upon the significance of natural analysis to assist enhance growers’ farming practices akin to cowl cropping and composting. Dr. Brennan was joined by natural grower Phil Foster and Bill Wintermantel, Research Plant Pathologist and Acting Research Director at USDA. OFRF, whose mission has been to advance the development and widespread adoption of natural farming programs, has invested in over $3M and awarded over 350 grants for on-farm, science-based analysis. All OFRF-funded analysis outcomes are accessible on-line at no cost.