The 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA) is a national report informed by surveys from over 1,100 certified organic and 71 transitioning-organic farmers and ranchers across North America. Read about current organic production systems, production and non-production challenges, technical assistance needs, and concerns related to organic agriculture.

This factsheet provides an overview of field bindweed biology and practical strategies for managing this persistent perennial weed in organic farming systems. It describes the plant’s growth habits, extensive root system, and long-lived seed bank, and outlines organic management approaches to gradually exhaust root reserves and reduce infestations over time.

This factsheet outlines the benefits and practical examples of integrating crop rotations with livestock systems on organic farms, highlighting how this approach improves soil health, reduces inputs, and enhances farm resilience. It also includes farmer stories and illustrations to demonstrate effective integrated crop and animal rotations developed by organic farmers.

This factsheet outlines the key benefits of Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS) for organic farmers, drawing on interviews with four experienced producers across the U.S. The benefits covered include increased farm productivity, reduced input costs, improved soil health, natural pest control, higher nutrient density in crops and livestock products, better animal health, and a decreased need for mechanical cultivation.

This factsheet addresses the food safety challenges specific to organic farms that integrate crops and livestock, focusing on the risks of manure contamination and compliance with the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. It offers practical guidance on managing these risks through field and rotation design, developing a Food Safety Plan, and more.

This factsheet explores the infrastructure adaptations that organic farmers must make when integrating crops and livestock, focusing on two key areas: livestock housing and watering systems, and fencing. It highlights practical solutions such as mobile housing structures, trailered water systems, secure perimeter fencing, portable electric net fencing, and more.

This factsheet is designed to help organic and transitioning farmers navigate conversations with their local NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) office about the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI). It walks producers through what documents to gather beforehand and provides suggested questions to ask across four key areas: eligibility, available assistance, the application process, and post-award requirements.

This factsheet explains how agricultural producers can access financial and technical assistance through the USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to support their transition to certified organic production. It outlines who is eligible to apply, what types of assistance are available — including conservation planning, implementation support, and increased payment rates for historically underserved farmers — and which land types qualify.

This factsheet highlights the USDA's Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which reimburses certified organic producers and handlers for up to 75% of their organic certification fees. It walks applicants through a five-step process for applying — from reviewing program materials and finding the correct application form, to submitting required documents through a local FSA office or a participating state agency.

This factsheet highlights Technical Note 12 (TN-12), a guide developed collaboratively by the Organic Farming Research Foundation and NRCS that helps farmers, field agents, and technical service providers understand how organic farming practices align with NRCS resource concerns and conservation practice standards.

This toolkit serves as a step-by-step guide for agricultural organizations and farms looking to host field days as a means of disseminating research and fostering connections between farmers, researchers, and industry professionals. It walks organizers through four key phases — setting objectives, establishing event details, conducting outreach, and implementing the event.

This guide provides an overview of resources for farmers and agricultural professionals interested in organic seed production and use. It introduces the importance of using organically produced seed to meet certification requirements, and compiles educational materials, research resources, and practical information to help growers locate, produce, and manage organic seed within sustainable agricultural systems.