Growing an Organic Farm Research Network: A Framework to Better Connect Organic Producers with University-Based Researchers
Quick Summary
These are details from the pre-proposal submitted this fall for a SARE REsearch and Education grant proposal. Approach and other details can be changed based on partner discussion. A pdf copy of the pre-proposal can be downloaded here.
Project Description
The Ohio Organic Farm Research Network will connect organic farmers and land-grant scientists to co-produce knowledge and increase innovation and resource sharing in organic agriculture. Our farmer-centered on-farm approach will increase the relevance and impact of research and engagement efforts.
Budget and Funding Period
This is a grant proposal for the SARE Research and Education program. The budget cap for the grant is $250,000 for a 3 year period. We’ve asked this to be considered for longer-term funding (6 years). November 1, 2021 – November 1, 2027
Timeline
- Pre-proposal was due in early October.
- Invitation for full proposal will be sent in February.
- Full proposals are due in late March of 2021.
- Decisions shared in late July 2021
- Project funds available fall 2021.
Project Goals
Project objective
Develop a sustainable collaborative Organic Farm Research Network in Ohio.
Learning outcomes
- Generate and share knowledge about impacts of organic farm management practices.
- Increase awareness and understanding of organic farming techniques, challenges, and benefits among land-grant researchers and educators.
- Increase awareness and understanding of research methods among organic growers.
- Build trust between farmers and researchers.
Action outcomes
- Increase interactions between researchers and organic growers.
- Foster well executed organic on-farm research by sharing tools and knowledge between farmers and researchers.
- Provide organic research experiences for students and faculty.
- Increase capacity to identify and respond to emerging organic production questions.
Proposed Approach
We believe that a collaborative on-farm research network that integrates contributions from scientists and farmers can dramatically accelerate the discovery and uptake of new knowledge in Ohio’s organic farming industry. \
We will use these key activities:
- Establish the OOFRN as a formal partnership of OSU, CSU, and OEFFA; hire network facilitator.
- Establish a farmer-scientist advisory board to guide OFRN decisions and priorities and review project progress annually.
- Support farmer-scientist teams to design and initiate on-farm collaborative research that addresses priority research questions.
- Engage participating farmers and scientists to review findings and discuss changes to research protocols after each field season.
- Develop activities and communication products to share research results with the broader organic farming community, leveraging existing partner resources.