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 Workgroup: Make crop insurance work better for organic and transitioning farmers by ensuring crop insurance is fair and functional. (This workgroup meets monthly)
- NRCS Workgroup: Farmers and organizational members working with NRCS gather to identify strengths and challenges, and create a feedback loop with NRCS to improve organic farmer experiences. (This workgroup meets monthly)
- Organic Imports Workgroup: This workgroup (coming soon) will address ongoing organic farmer concerns regarding fraudulent organic imports and generate strategies and solutions. (This workgroup will meet monthly)
- 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 will meet quarterly)
- NOSB Workgroup: A short-term, targeted work group that will meet ahead of the fall National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting to form comments for the board and prepare members to also to share comments. (This workgroup meets seasonally)
Upcoming Workgroup Sessions
Join in when your schedule allows to discuss and workshop ideas for working with NRCS on organic farm projects.
2025 Dates:
Feb 12, 2025, 2PM ET
Mar 12, 2025, 2PM ET
Apr 9, 2025, 2PM ET
Join in the conversation to make crop insurance work better for organic and transitioning farmers.
2025 Dates:
Feb. 19, 1PM ET
Mar. 19, 1PM ET
Apr. 16, 1PM ET
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system for monthly reminders.
Join the Zoom call here
Meeting ID: 874 4509 6827
Passcode: 103399
Get Involved
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. 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