Organic Research at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service is Taking Root

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service (USDA/ARS) began to coordinate its effort in organic agricultural research in 2000 by initiating a survey to determine the nature and extent of organic research being conducted by agency scientists. The survey revealed that approximately 9% of scientists within the agency were interested in organic agriculture but that less than 4% had actually participated in research in certified or certifiable organic production systems. With few exceptions, scientists conducted research on working or transitioning organic farms. Regardless of whether the research was conducted on farm or on research-station-managed land, farmer participation varied greatly. The USDA/ARS is in the process of coordinating the national organic research effort and has invited organic growers and other professionals to participate in the planning process in order to ensure that organic research at the agency continues to be rooted in its interactions with organic stakeholders.