2024/5 Interns Join OFA to Gain Hands-On Experience
Recently, the Organic Farmers Association welcomed two enthusiastic interns to join the team, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of organic agriculture advocacy. These interns are not only gaining valuable insights into the principles and practices of organic farming but are also actively contributing to the organization’s mission of elevating farmer voices.
As a part of the Organic Career Network (OCN), OFA has set a goal to increase diversity and equity in the organic sector including support for the exploration of career opportunities in the industry.
OCN connects organic organizations to underrepresented students who are interested in exploring career pathways in the organic industry. The OCN aims to provide students with the opportunity to get hands-on experience with organic certification, inspection, advocacy, and farmer education organizations and agencies.
Welcome Interns!
Nikkira McCall
Racial Equity Program Development & Communications Intern
Nikkira McCall is a third-year undergraduate at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural & Environmental Systems with a concentration in Sustainable Land & Food Systems. Her academic journey fuels her passion for Environmental Justice, Food Security, Urban and Community Horticulture, Viticulture, and Plant & Soil Sciences. On campus, Nikkira is an active member of several organizations, including Aggies for Natural Consumption & Living, Aggies Go Green, and MANRRS & Collegiate Farm Bureau. Outside of her studies, she enjoys exploring art museums, writing poetry, reading, and cultivating her love for gardening. In her role as the Racial Equity Program Development and Communications Intern with the Organic Farmers Association, Nikkira is dedicated to bridging the gap between organic farming practices and underrepresented farming communities. She is particularly focused on advocating for Queer and BIPOC farmers while expanding her knowledge of federal agricultural policies that shape the future of farming.
Kiera Sherrod
Farmer Services Intern
Kiera is a sophomore food science major at Tuskegee University who was born in Albany, GA, where her family owns a farm, and where she was first exposed to farming and agriculture. Due to this background, Kiera found herself intrigued by agriculture and how the different foods we eat affect our bodies. This interest is what pushed her to become a food science major and continue to look for opportunities that will further her understanding of agriculture.
Ella Lucabaugh
Policy Intern
Currently a senior at American University’s School of International Service, Ella studies International Studies with a focus on Environmental Sustainability and Global Health, complemented by a minor in Environmental Science. Her passion lies in creating healthy food systems at both local and federal levels, driven by her belief that organic agriculture not only promotes human health but also nurtures soil vitality and biodiversity. As OFA’s Organic Policy Intern, Ella leverages her interdisciplinary background in policy and science to help create healthier and more accessible food options for all.
Join today and support organic farmers!
Organic Farmers Association members support a strong voice for organic farmers in Washington, D.C.
The Organic Farmers Association is the ONLY national organization where solely independent certified organic farms determine its policies and work agenda. OFA was founded on the belief that the voice of farmers like you should carry the most weight in agricultural policy decisions.
In recent years, OFA has made a difference by putting significant pressure on the USDA to finalize the Origin of Livestock Rule to help organic dairies and finalize the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule to stop organic fraud and increase enforcement. We testified and advocated to allow paper pots for small-scale vegetable growers, introduced the ODAIRY Act of 2023, and advocated for stronger animal welfare standards for organic livestock and poultry production (OLPS Rule).
We have proved that farmer voices are stronger when we work together. Join us in this movement by becoming a member today!
Farm
Membership
U.S. certified organic farmers should select this membership. Only farm members are eligible to vote on Organic Farmers Association policy positions and priorities. International farmers, or farms that are not certified organic, should select the Supporter Membership.
Supporter Membership
Not a certified organic farmer, but want to support the organic farmers that make our planet and food systems a better place? Supporter members will be connected to the discussions about policies that affect organic farmers, and be called to advocate on their behalf.
Organization Membership
Organizations that have a significant membership (or stakeholders) of certified organic farmers should select this membership. Organization Members receive the tools they need to advocate for policies important to organic farmers and extend their network.