2012 OFFER Summit Meeting

The future of organic farming research

Agenda

9:00-9:50              Registration & poster setup

Introductions and Opening Remarks

9:50                       Welcome

                              Brian McSpadden Gardener, OFFER

                              Steve Slack, Director OARDC

I. Direction of organics: Markets & economic trends

10:00                    What is the economic future of organic farming? market forces, demand trends,                                                           

                                                  specific areas of growth and decline

                              Laura Batcha (Organic Trade Association) 

II. What are the primary research needs to advance organic farming into the future?

                A. National perspective

11:00                      2012 Land Grant Assessment, farmer surveys

                               Maureen Wilmot (Organic Farming Research Foundation)

12:00     Lunch & view posters

                B. Regional and state perspectives

1:00                        Regional perspective

                               Brian Snyder (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture)

1:30                        State perspective

                               Mike Anderson (Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association)

III. What are the future prospects for funding organic research?

2:00                        OREI: Prospects for successful funding

                               Deborah Stinner (2012 USDA- OREI Panel Manager)

2:30                        Organic Research and Promotion Program Initiative

                               Laura Batcha (Organic Trade Association)

IV. Where do we go from here?

3:00                        Round Table Discussion/ Q&A

                               All speakers

                               Closing & wrap-up

3:30                         Adjourn