OSU Partnering with Oregon Tilth for Organic Program

Oregon State University is starting up a new organic research program thanks in part to a donation from Oregon Tilth.

Executive Director of Oregon Tilth Chris Schreiner said this was a natural partnership because so many of the OSU researchers were doing organic research on their own and now that research can expand.

“Really trying to listen to the growers and understand the opportunities and the challenges that they face and how the land grant university and the resources it has to offer can respond to us.”

Oregon Tilth has an existing partnership with OSU’s Small Farms program that started back in 2009.

Schreiner said there has been great support from current faculty and researchers, but without a formal program in place, there was too much uncertainty.

“By establishing a formal program that really helps to enshrine, if you would, organic agriculture as a key sector and a key focal area for applied research and outreach and education.”

The program will initially support a part-time extension agent that will create and develop the program as well as help organic growers through research and support.

Oregon has the sixth highest amount of organic acreage in the U.S. and is fourth in farmgate sales.