Farmer Workgroups
Farmers working together to identify problems & create solutions
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
- 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.
- Crop Insurance Workgroup: Make crop insurance work better for organic and transitioning farmers by ensuring it is fair and functional. This workgroup typically meets monthly November-April.
- NOSB Workgroup: A short-term, targeted work group that will meet ahead of the spring National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting to form comments for the board and prepare to share comments.
Upcoming Workgroup Sessions
A standing monthly (third Wednesday) farmer-directed working group meeting open to all. Workgroups are a way for us to work together to identify challenges, propose solutions, and amplify organic farmer voices. This workgroup is facilitated by OFA’s Farmer Services Director Julia Barton.
Register via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrfuihqTouGN3vpbq8nvt960d9RMjgeIxV
*Note, by registering for this workgroup you acknowledge that you will be an active member of this community and will respectively participate in conversation.
A standing monthly (second Wednesday) community meeting open to all. This Circle aims to serve as a landing space for folks to come and learn about OFA, connect with new and existing members, and discuss what’s happening in the field. This circle may offer conversational focus around national programs, farmer challenges, etc. and is facilitated by the Farmer Services Director.
Register via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrfuihqTouGN3vpbq8nvt960d9RMjgeIxV
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectively participate in conversation.
Get Involved
Complete this Interest Form to learn more about Farmer Workgroups and how to get involved.
OFA may organize additional working groups to respond to issues as they arise and require collective work towards solutions. If you are interested in being contacted on any of these OFA Priority Areas for a potential workgroup, please complete an interest form.
- Contamination: Pesticide & GE Drift
- Fair Contracts & Organic Markets
- Consolidation
- Organic Integrity
- Hydroponics, Greenhouse Growing, Containers
- Racial Equity