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What is Organic Agriculture?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Standards Board defines organic agriculture as "an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity." It is based on minimal off farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent
communities of soil, life, plants, animals, and people.

OFFER's Mission Statement
To provide outstanding research and educational support for sustainable production, processing, and marketing of organic foods from the field to the table for farmers, gardeners, processors, retailers, and consumers

Why is Organic Research Needed?
• Demand for organic products is growing rapidly in the U.S. (more than 20% annually for the last decade) and globally.
• All certified organic food sold in the U.S. must meet strict new national standards.
• Scientific support for organic farming - studying it, understanding it, improving it - is grossly underdeveloped.