Winter Journal: Organic Farming Research Foundation
A Proud Kind of Wild environmental partner
Published January 29th, 2022
Kind of Wild Wines is a proud partner of Organic Farming & Research Foundation to it’s commitment to advance organic & regenerative farming. We recently had a chance to catch up with Caroline Baptist, communications manager from the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF). Check out the conversation below!
Kind of Wild: Can you speak to OFRF’s approach on the conversion efforts to organic as a climate solution?
OFRF: According to NOAA and NASA, the past decade (2010-2019) was the hottest on record since records have been kept roughly 140 years ago. 2020 tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record and recent reports reveal 2021 was the sixth hottest to date.
The promotion of healthy soils, the foundation of organic production, can help combat the negative effects of climate change. Extensive research demonstrates organic farming systems capture and store more carbon in the soil, known as carbon sequestration.
This work leads to healthy people, ecosystems and economies. Check out our online educational toolkit made specifically for consumers, advocates, and policymakers that has even more information on the ways organic is part of the climate solution.
Kind of Wild: What are the benefits of organic produce for the individual consuming them, and on the same token possible risks from non-organic produce?
OFRF: We know organic production is better for the environment and helps us fight and adapt to climate change. This includes moderate increases in some nutrients from healthy soils and lower detectable levels of pesticide residue.
Kind of Wild: From working with the farming community, does organic foods also taste better?
OFRF: Studies have been conducted to explore if organic foods taste better, including one from the American Chemical Society that suggests foods grown in organic conditions contain more phytochemicals and higher levels of flavonoids and antioxidant activity.
Kind of Wild: What types of advocacy and support do farmers need from the government, or private sector?
OFRF: Organic farmers need increased investment in federal programs and policies that support organic agriculture and climate-resilient practices. More funding in organic research would support researchers and farmers to find solutions to the challenges that they face today.
The private sector is a critical partner in our effort to support organic farmers. They can do so by partnering with organizations doing this work, donate to support their efforts, and choose organic producers when sourcing ingredients. If you are a business interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the OFRF team (give@ofrf.org).
Kind of Wild: How do you see future growth of organic conversion and what are the goals for the category for the next 10 years or thereabouts, as a percentage of overall agricultural production?
OFRF: According to the USDA Economic Research Service, consumer demand for organic goods continues to increase — totaling 4% of total U.S. food sales.
Organic conversion can also increase if farmers and ranchers receive support via programs such as the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program.
Government agencies, universities and organizations including OFRF can help promote the benefit of organic farming systems via farmer training, access to organic research, continued education for policy makers on organic as a climate solution, and public outreach on the health, environmental, and community benefits of organic food production. If you’re interested in learning more, please visit OFRF’s website and consider supporting!