Organic Farmer Workgroups
What is a Farmer Workgroup?
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.
Available Farmer Workgroups
Crop Insurance
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.
USDA Programs
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.
Grain Grower
This workgroup meets monthly to address ongoing organic farmer concerns regarding concerns of grain farmers, such as fraudulent organic imports, and generate strategies and solutions.
Public Procurement
Join OFA Organization Members and farmers working together to get more organic food in institutions like schools and hospitals. This workgroup will meet monthly for one hour.
Mixed Vegetable Grower
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.
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)
Join a Workgroup
Complete this Interest Form to learn more about Farmer Workgroups and how to get involved.
OFA may organize additional workgroups to respond to issues as they arise and require collective work towards solutions, so please include other workgroup topics we should consider for the future.