Farmer-Led Trials Program
Forecasted
The Farmer-Led Trials Program by the Organic Farming Research Foundation supports farmer-designed on-farm research to solve practical challenges in organic agriculture.
Funder: Organic Farming Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026
Funding Amounts: Modest research stipend per project; covers supplies, small equipment, labor, and data collection costs; project duration up to 1 year.
Summary: Supports organic and transitioning farmers in the U.S. to design and conduct on-farm research trials with technical assistance, addressing practical production challenges.
Key Information: Only one project funded per farm per cycle; research must be on certified organic or transitioning land.
Description
The Farmer-Led Trials Program, run by the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), empowers organic and transitioning farmers and ranchers in the United States to lead research on their own farms. Participants receive technical support and resources to design, implement, and analyze on-farm trials that address real-world production challenges, such as soil health, pest and disease management, weed control, crop variety trials, and livestock management. The program emphasizes farmer-driven innovation, providing a collaborative environment and practical guidance to ensure research is relevant, scientifically sound, and benefits the broader organic community. All participants are encouraged to share their findings openly through reports, presentations, and forums.
