Workgroups are a way for us to work together to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and amplify the voices of OFA farmer members. Our workgroups are farmer-directed and discuss challenges farmers face and identify farmer-led solutions, and together we will take solutions directly to our changemakers.

Workgroups require regular attendance and work from the members outside the regular meetings. Depending on the pace of the issue at hand, meetings may become more or less frequent as needed.

Workgroups meet via Zoom on a monthly basis and are facilitated spaces. Participation is open to all farmers who are organic curious, in transition, or already certified. OFA membership is not required to participate.

• Crop Insurance Workgroup: Make crop insurance work better for organic and transitioning farmers during this monthly one-hour session by working to ensure crop insurance is fair and functional.
• Grain Grower Workgroup: This workgroup meets monthly for one hour to address ongoing organic farmer concerns regarding issues of concern to grain farmers, such as fraudulent organic imports, and generate strategies and solutions.
• Mixed Vegetable Grower Workgroup: This workgroup meets monthly for one hour to address concerns raised by mixed vegetable farmers such as market consolidation. Farmers work together to generate strategies and solutions.
• USDA Programs Workgroup: Farmers and organizational members working with NRCS and FSA gather monthly for one hour to identify strengths and challenges, and create a feedback loop with NRCS and FSA to improve organic farmer experiences.
• Farm to Institution / Public Procurement Roundtable: Join OFA Organization Members and farmers working together to get more organic food in institutions like schools and hospitals. Register now for this roundtable on October 1, 2-3 pm ET, and help us determine if there’s enough interest to create a full workgroup.
• Organic Dairy Coalition Workgroup: Connect organic dairy producers from around the country to propose and advocate for policies to provide long-needed support for organic dairy farmers. (This workgroup is closed)
• NOSB Workgroup: A short-term, targeted workgroup that will meet ahead of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting to form comments for the board and prepare members to also to share comments. (This workgroup meets seasonally)
  • OFA invites you to join our fall workgroup, addressing the various discussions and votes of this fall’s National Organic Standards Board meeting. We will focus on areas of interest to organic farmers, providing background before the meeting. The decisions made by the NOSB directly affect the regulations governing organic production and commerce. Individual organic farmers, as well as OFA, can have significant impact with comprehensive comments based upon our personal experiences and shared discussion. JOIN US for any or all of these workgroups.
    • Wed., Sept. 17, 3 PM ET: Crops
      Vote on proposal allowing synthetic plastics in compost used on organic land
      Vote on proposal to allow pear ester as pest management tool
      Vote on proposal for consistency in organic seed use
      Vote on National List substances to remain on list for another 5 years
    • Wed., Sept. 24, 3PM ET: Livestock
      Vote on proposal for use of chlorine in livestock production
      Vote on proposal to change annotation for oxytocin on National List
      Vote on sunsets on livestock medications-poloxalene, flunixin, butorphanol, excipients in health products
      Discussion on integrating livestock into agroforestry crop production
    • Wed., Oct. 1, 3PM ET: Oversight and Enforcement
      Vote on residue testing of imported feedstuffs
      Vote on use of chitosan in organic wine making
      Comments to NOSB on organic swine regs, hydroponics, timing of NOSB meetings?