Natural Farming Analysis Basis (OFRF) toured the USDA Agricultural Analysis Service (ARS) in Salinas, Calif. with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), a co-sponsor for H.R. 2803, the Agricultural Resilience Act (ARA). This tour of the natural fields occurred on Saturday, January 15, 2022, and marks the second time Rep. Panetta’s congressional workplace has visited the ARS web site with OFRF.
“Central Coast farmers and ranchers have all the time been on the vanguard of natural manufacturing, due to their onerous work and partnerships with the U.S. Division of Agriculture and organizations just like the Natural Farming Analysis Basis,” mentioned Congressman Panetta. “I stay dedicated to elevating the wants of the natural producers I proudly symbolize, to allow them to proceed to have the instruments they should adapt to local weather stressors, put money into soil well being, and succeed within the twenty-first century.”
The Congressman and others in attendance had been led on a tour by Dr. Eric Brennan, USDA Analysis Horticulturist. Dr. Brennan beforehand was awarded an OFRF on-farm analysis grant and his workers place at ARS was closely advocated by OFRF practically 20 years in the past. He’s the one devoted natural ARS researcher within the nation and his place is admittedly underfunded. Tour group members shared with Rep. Panetta their want for a rise in funding for natural at ARS countrywide, with a transparent nationwide technique on how the company can higher serve the natural farming neighborhood.
“There might be an unbelievable alternative to rent further scientists and technicians to develop natural analysis,” mentioned Brise Tencer, Government Director for Natural Farming Analysis Basis.
The tour dialogue additionally touched upon the significance of natural analysis to assist enhance growers’ farming practices resembling cowl cropping and composting. Dr. Brennan was joined by natural grower Phil Foster and Invoice Wintermantel, Analysis Plant Pathologist and Performing Analysis Director at USDA.
OFRF, whose mission has been to advance the advance and widespread adoption of natural farming programs, has invested in over $3M and awarded over 350 grants for on-farm, science-based analysis. All OFRF-funded analysis outcomes are accessible on-line totally free.
