Overview

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Organic agriculture became one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture during the 1990s. According to USDA statistics, organic acreage in the United States has doubled, and consumption of organically produced products has increased 20 percent per year for the past decade. Today, 80 percent of organic products purchased on the market are fresh fruits and vegetables. The potential consumer demand for other organic products, like meat and processed foods, is wide open. Organic agriculture's importance was further solidified when the USDA implemented the first nationwide organic standards--the National Organic Standards--in 2002. CSREES addresses organic agriculture through formula funds and competitive funding, such as the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Program--Integrated Organic Program; the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Program--Organic Transitions Program; and the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative.

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In Focus

• Colorado State University publication analyzes emerging issues in organic for USDA.
• Using CSREES base program funds, land-grant universities are placing increased emphasis on the research and extension needs of organic agriculture.
• Iowa State University professor earns award for contributions to sustainable agriculture.
• The USDA National Organic Standards guide CSREES-sponsored organic agriculture-related research.

Partnerships

• CSREES collaborates with other USDA agencies as a member of the Organic Information Group.

Events

• Competitive Grants Grantsmanship Workshops, Washington, DC/Salt Lake City, UT, September/October, 2008.
• Galaxy III Conference: "Celebrating the Extension System: Strengths, Diversity, and Unique Qualities," Indianapolis, IN, September 15-19, 2008.

Selected Results and Impacts

• Arkansas researchers are using CSREES funds to tackle pigweed and other weeds.
• CSREES funds are helping Oregon researchers understand why not all farmers' markets succeed.
• Using CSREES funds, Washington researchers explore possible links between pesticides and Colony Collapse Disorder in bees.


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Resources

• Organic Farming and Marketing Briefing Room, Economic Research Service, USDA. Books and data on certified organic farming systems, ERS contacts, and much more.
• International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). Provides information about worldwide application of organic agriculture and more.
• Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, National Agricultural Library, USDA. Diverse resources about alternative agricultural enterprises and crops.


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Contacts

Thomas (Tom) Bewick

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