Progress report for WPDP25-025
Project Information
The "Organic Systems Training for Western Technical Service Providers and Extension Specialists" project addresses the critical gap in expertise among Technical Service Providers (TSPs) and Extension specialists in the Western United States, which hinders the support available to organic farmers. A recent assessment revealed that a significant percentage of organic farmers express concerns about the lack of knowledgeable professionals who can assist them with unique challenges related to weed management, soil health, and organic certification (Snyder et al., 2022). This project aims to enhance the capacity of TSPs and Extension specialists to meet these needs through targeted training and resource development.
The project employs a multifaceted approach that includes the creation of comprehensive train-the-trainer resources, including factsheets and webinars, alongside hands-on learning opportunities like field days. By engaging farmer advisors and leveraging the expertise of experienced organic farmers, the project will ensure that the training is relevant and tailored to organic producers' specific challenges.
The primary objectives of the project are threefold: first, to equip TSPs with the latest knowledge on organic practices and federal programs; second, to foster a deeper understanding of organic systems through direct interactions with experienced farmers; and third, to evaluate the current support needs of TSPs to tailor educational offerings effectively. By achieving these objectives, the project aims to create a knowledgeable network of service providers who can effectively support organic farmers, ultimately promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the resilience of the organic farming community in the Western region.
This project will enhance the capacity of Technical Service Providers (TSPs) within NRCS, Cooperative Extension, and other agencies in the Western SARE region to effectively meet the technical assistance needs of organic producers.
The project has four core objectives:
- Equip TSPs with resources on Organic Agriculture: The primary objective is to develop comprehensive train-the-trainer resources focused on organic practices and standards. By equipping TSPs with current and relevant knowledge, we empower them to provide high-quality technical assistance to organic producers. This, in turn, will enhance the community's overall capacity to adopt sustainable practices, improve soil health, and increase the resilience of organic farming systems in the Western region.
- Foster Understanding of Organic Systems: During this project, TSPs will have the chance to explore various aspects of organic farming, including soil health management, pest and weed control strategies, and sustainable practices. By facilitating direct interactions between TSPs and experienced organic farmers, we create a collaborative learning environment where knowledge is shared and best practices are highlighted.
- Enhance Technical Capacity: OFRF will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of TSP's current support needs to tailor our educational offerings by identifying gaps in knowledge, resources, and training. The evaluation will gather qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, interviews, and focus groups with TSPs, Extension specialists, and organic farmer advisors. We can tailor our educational offerings to address these needs by identifying gaps in knowledge, resources, and training.
- Increase Institutional Knowledge: We aim to increase the institutional knowledge of TSPs and Extension personnel by recruiting 3-4 organic farmer advisors in the Western SARE region who will review topical content to help ensure the program represents region-specific priorities of organic producers and the challenges they face. The farmer advisors will be compensated for their time.
The organic farming sector in the Western US is experiencing significant growth, yet it also faces unique challenges. A recent assessment revealed only 17% of organic farmers in the West felt their research needs were being met, and over 50% expressed concerns regarding the lack of knowledgeable Technical Service Providers (TSPs) and Extension specialists who can offer support for organic operations (Snyder et al., 2022). This gap in expertise is critical, as organic producers have indicated the need for specialized assistance in areas such as weed, insect pest, and disease management, soil health, and crop nutrient management (Panday et al., 2024; Snyder et al., 2022). The need for enhanced training for TSPs and Extension specialists is further underscored by the increasing demand for organic products, which is projected to continue rising in response to consumer preferences for food grown with sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) will spearhead “Organic Systems Training for Western Technical Service Providers and Extension Specialists” to address this gap. This project updates and expands upon previous SARE-funded initiatives, such as the "Enhancing Organic Farming Practices through Education and Training" project (SARE, 2020) and “From the ground up: Educating Cooperative Extension and NRCS about agricultural technologies to enhance soil health” (SARE, 2019). While these projects focused on general organic farming education, our proposal is unique in its targeted approach to developing specialized training resources specifically for TSPs and Extension specialists and by utilizing the expertise of organic farmer advisors. By incorporating farmer feedback and addressing the specific needs identified in our assessment, this project aims to create a comprehensive training program that equips service providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to support organic farmers effectively.
Several factors influence the implementation and success of this project. Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, particularly for organic farmers who rely on sustainable practices to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events (Snyder et al., 2022). Additionally, political and regulatory frameworks, such as the National Organic Program (NOP) standards, shape the operational landscape for organic producers. Understanding these regulations is essential for TSPs and Extension specialists to effectively guide farmers in compliance and best practices. Socioeconomic conditions, including access to resources and funding for organic initiatives, also play a crucial role in the success of this project. Many organic farmers, particularly those from historically underserved communities, face barriers to accessing technical assistance and financial support, limiting their ability to thrive in a competitive market.
In summary, the Organic Systems Training project is justified by the documented need for enhanced technical assistance in the organic farming sector, influenced by climate, regulatory, and socioeconomic factors. In collaboration with Oregon Tilth, NRCS staff, and experienced farmer advisors, OFRF will address these challenges and build on the successes of previous work in this area. This project will foster a more resilient and knowledgeable network of TSPs and Extension specialists, ultimately benefiting organic producers and their communities.
Quarter 1:
- Project partner meetings, planning sessions, and identifying training topics.
- Project team members, four farmer advisors, Extension specialists, and NRCS staff.
- Outcomes: Establishment of a collaborative framework and identification of key training topics
Quarter 2:
- Outreach, Webinar 1, Factsheet 1, Field Day 1, and evaluation of initial activities.
- 30-50 TSPs, Extension specialists, and organic farmers.
- Outcomes: Increased awareness of training resources, initial feedback on the format, and a factsheet addressing organic practices.
Quarter 3:
- Outreach, Webinar 2, Factsheet 2, and evaluation of participant engagement and learning outcomes.
- 30-50 TSPs and Extension specialists; four farmer advisors.
- Outcomes: Enhanced understanding of organic systems among participants, collection of feedback for refining future webinars and materials.
Quarter 4:
- Outreach, Webinar 3, Factsheets 3 and 4, Field Day 2, and evaluation of the effectiveness of training materials.
- 30-50 TSPs and Extension specialists and four farmer advisors.
- Outcomes: Additional training materials will be developed based on participant feedback, increased engagement in field days, and improved knowledge of organic practices.
Quarter 5:
- Outreach, Webinar 4, Field Day 3, and evaluation of overall program impact.
- 30-50 TSPs and Extension specialists.
- Outcomes: Finalization of training resources, increased capacity among participants to assist organic farmers, and comprehensive evaluation of training effectiveness.
Quarter 6:
- Outreach, Field Day 4, and evaluation of the project’s overall impact.
- 30-50 TSPs, Extension specialists, and organic farmers.
- Outcomes: Completion of all training activities, collection of final feedback, and identification of ongoing support needs for TSPs.
Quarter 7:
- Comprehensive evaluation and impact summary of the project.
- Project team and key stakeholders.
- Outcomes: Detailed report on project outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future training initiatives.
Quarter 8:
- Final impact summary and reporting.
- Project team, partners, and stakeholders.
- Outcomes: Submission of final reports to funding agencies, dissemination of findings to participants, and planning for potential follow-up projects.
Cooperators
- (Educator)
- (Educator)
- - Producer
- - Producer
- - Producer (Educator)
- - Producer
- - Producer
- - Producer
- - Producer
Education
Our educational approach is to work with our farmer and extension advisors to identify four key topics around organic farming. For each of the four key topics, we will develop and deliver a webinar, related-factsheet, and complementary field day in the western SARE region. This will allow us to facilitate engagement among farmers and extension agents, and meet learner needs with a variety of teaching strategies.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Objective: To introduce the National Organic Program, requirements of the organic certification process, and examining challenges faced by farmers during the organic transition process.
From Jan-Mar 2026, we will produce/host a webinar, factsheets, and field day.
Webinar: "Organic 101 for Extension Agents: Understanding Certification, Standards, and Producer Journeys"
Factsheet: "Quick Reference Guide to Organic Certification Requirements and NOP Standards"
Field Day: Visit to a farm in transition or recently certified operation to see certification requirements in practice
Agriculture service providers will be able to:
- Define organic farming as set forth in the National Organic Program standards
- Understand the basic process a farmer needs to follow in order to become certified organic, as well as demonstrate a basic understanding of the NOP regulations.
- Explain and anticipate some of the challenges that organic farmers may face as they transition to organic.
To introduce the basic principles of organic pest management to agriculture service providers, help providers learn to find relevant information, and to examine some of the prominent pest management challenges that western organic producers face.
From Apr-June 2026, we will produce/host a webinar, factsheets, and field day.
Webinar: "Organic Pest Management: Adapting to New Challenges" with case studies of farmers who have had success trying different/new techniques
Factsheet: "Organic Strategies for Western Region Pests”
Field Day: Working organic farm demonstrating integrated pest management strategies
Agriculture service providers will be able to:
- Define the basic principles of organic pest management.
- Understand where to find organic pest management resources and direct farmers to appropriate sources of information.
- Describe some of the common pest challenges that western organic farmers may face as they transition to organic, and offer organic management solutions/techniques.
To introduce the basic principles of organic weed management to agriculture service providers, help providers learn to find relevant information, and to examine some of the prominent weed management challenges that western organic producers face.
From July-Sept 2026, we will produce/host a webinar, factsheets, and field day.
Webinar: "Organic Weed Management: Adapting to New Challenges" with case studies of farmers who have had success trying different/new techniques
Factsheet: "Organic Strategies for Weed Management and Cover Cropping in the Western Region”
Field Day: Working organic farm demonstrating integrated weed management, cover cropping, and soil health practices
Agriculture service providers will be able to:
- Define the basic principles of organic weed management.
- Understand where to find organic weed management resources and direct farmers to appropriate sources of information.
- Describe some of the common weed challenges that western organic farmers may face as they transition to organic, and offer organic management solutions/techniques.
To enlighten agriculture service providers around best practices for engaging with transitioning and certified organic farmers. This objective will focus on time management, communication, effective farm visits, and hosting successful field days.
From Oct-Dec 2026, we will produce a webinar and factsheet and host a Field Day between Jan-Mar 2027.
Webinar: "Farmer Engagement Best Practices: Communication, Time Management, and Building Trust" with input from farmers and extension
Factsheet: "Organic Producer Problem-Solving Decision Tree" (visual flowchart format) OR "Extension Agent's Guide to Effective Farm Visits and Producer Relationships"
Field Day: “How to Host a Field Day”-- observing and participating in a well-run field day, with debrief on what made it effective
Agriculture service providers will be able to:
- Describe strategies for effectively engaging with organic farmers and building trust.
- Identify best procedures and practices for helping farmers solve production challenges.
- Describe the key components of conducting effective farm visits and hosting field days.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
OUTCOMES:
During this reporting period, the project outcomes focused on partner coordination and resource framework development.
Key accomplishments:
- Establishing a five-member advisory committee, including three organic farmer advisors (Beth Hoinacki, Diane Greenwood, April Thatcher) and two farm advisors (Ben Bowell, Alice Formiga), with MOUs in place.
- Holding coordination meetings to identify relevant training topics, resulting in the development of a framework for four topics, each comprising a factsheet, a webinar, and a field day.
- Successfully launched the first educational product: Webinar 1: "Organic 101 for Extension Agents: Understanding Certification, Standards, and Producer Journeys," held on January 29, 2026.
- Organizing the first in-person event: Field Day 1: Organic 101 at Stepping Stone Farm scheduled for February 25, 2026, where the first factsheet will be distributed.
IMPACT:
Coordination with Partners:
3 farmer advisors and 2 farm org advisors were identified for the project. The farmer advisors are Beth Hoinacki, Goodfoot Farm, Philomath, OR; Diane Greenwood, Greentree Naturals, Sandpoint, ID;April Thatcher, April Joy Farm, Ridgefield, WA. The two farm advisors are Ben Bowell, Oregon Tilth, and Alice Formiga, Oregon State University. MOU’s are in place for all five members of the advisory committee.
Farmer advisors, extension, and partners were engaged in meetings to identify relevant training topics for a series of factsheets, webinars, and field days. Meetings were held on June 26, 2025, August 20, 2025, October 30, 2025.
Resource Development:
Over the course of this period, a framework for the project was developed by the advisory committee and OFRF staff.
PROJECT OUTLINE and ACTIVITIES:
Topic 1: Introduction to Organic Systems & Certification (Jan-Mar 2026)
- Webinar: "Organic 101 for Extension Agents: Understanding Certification, Standards, and Producer Journeys"
- Factsheet: "Quick Reference Guide to Organic Certification Requirements and NOP Standards"
- Field Day: Visit to a farm in transition or recently certified operation to see certification requirements in practice
Topic 2: Organic Pest Management (Apr-June 2026)
- Webinar: "Organic Pest Management: Adapting to New Challenges" with case studies of farmers who have had success trying different/new techniques
- Factsheet: "Organic Strategies for Western Region Pests”
- Field Day: Working organic farm demonstrating integrated pest management strategies
Topic 3: Organic Weed Management and Cover Cropping (July-Sept 2026)
- Webinar: "Organic Weed Management: Adapting to New Challenges" with case studies of farmers who have had success trying different/new techniques
- Factsheet: "Organic Strategies for Weed Management and Cover Cropping in the Western Region”
- Field Day: Working organic farm demonstrating integrated weed management, cover cropping, and soil health practices
Topic 4: Working Effectively with Farmers and Decision Tree Tool (Oct-Dec 2026 with Field Day in Jan-Mar 2027)
- Webinar: "Farmer Engagement Best Practices: Communication, Time Management, and Building Trust" with input from farmers and extension
- Factsheet: "Organic Producer Problem-Solving Decision Tree" (visual flowchart format) OR "Extension Agent's Guide to Effective Farm Visits and Producer Relationships"
- Field Day: “How to Host a Field Day”-- observing and participating in a well-run field day, with debrief on what made it effective