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Organic agriculture

Photo Credit: subjob - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)
Description:

OSU Extension provides research-based support for organic farmers and producers across Oregon. We offer guidance on soil health, pest management and certification to help growers meet organic standards and build resilient, sustainable operations.

Latest news

OSU Extension develops roadmap for Oregon organic orchards

Needs assessment targets processing, pests and Oregon-specific guidance to strengthen organic orchard profitability and resilience.

Todd Anderson | Mar 2026 | Impact story

Study finds wine industry waste byproduct stimulates organic blueberry growth in Eastern Oregon

Turning grape pomace into compost and using it in blueberry fields could help farmers reduce costs, recycle agricultural waste and improve soil health at the same time.

Scott Lukas | Sep 2025 | Impact story

Warm-season crops give Western Oregon farmers food and forage options

Research highlights versatile plants that thrive in region's hotter, drier summers.

Chris Branam | Sep 9, 2025 | News story

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Intro to dry farming organic vegetables in the maritime Pacific Northwest

Learn how to grow organic vegetables in the Pacific Northwest without irrigation. This guide introduces dry farming techniques like site selection, soil prep and varietal choice — offering a low-input, waterwise approach to resilient food production and farm sustainability.

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Credit: Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)

Latest resources

Episode 72: Cultivating Shiitake Mushrooms

Jacob Putney explores Shitake Mushroom Cultivation with colleages from the Washington State forestry extension office.

Carrie Cantrell, Jacob Putney, Justin O'Dea, Patrick Shults | Mar 2026 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Season 3, Episode 12 | Behind the Scenes with Tissue Labs (Part 2)

Learn from agronomists how tissue sampling choices, timing, and interpretation can transform vineyard nutrition strategy.

Patricia A. Skinkis | Feb 2026 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Composting: An alternative for livestock manure management and disposal of dead animals

Learn how to compost manure, what equipment you'll need and what you can use it for. Examine the differences between composted and uncomposted manure, as well as its drawbacks.

Michael Gamroth, Linda Brewer | Jun 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Veterans take a tour of a farm.

Veterans visit a farm as part of the Growing Agripreneur course through the OSU Small Farms program.

Photo by Maud Powell

How to Start an Organic Sustainable Farm

Growing Farms Online: Successful Whole Farm Management online course provides farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to develop and manage a successful farm business.

This course is for you if:

  • You are considering starting a farm business.
  • You are within your first five years of farming and want to grow.
  • You are considering major changes to your farm business.

The core of the Growing Farms course is a series of six online modules that lead you through the basics of managing a successful low impact farm business. This course is on-demand, so you can access at any time. Resources are included.

Learn more

Organic agriculture resources

Organic Seed Alliance

Organic Seed Alliance advances the ethical development and stewardship of the genetic resources of agricultural seed. We accomplish our mission through collaborative research, education, and advocacy programs that closely engage organic farmers and other seed professionals.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

National Organic Program

The National Organic Program (NOP) is a regulatory program housed within the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. We are responsible for developing national standards for organically-produced agricultural products. These standards assure consumers that products with the USDA organic seal meet consistent, uniform standards. Our regulations do not address food safety or nutrition.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Oregon Tilth

A nonprofit research and education membership organization dedicated to biologically sound and socially equitable agriculture. Oregon Tilth offers education events throughout the state of Oregon, and provides organic certification services to organic growers, processors, and handlers internationally.

May 2018 | Online resource

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Upcoming Events

Aug 4

Flower Production Farm Tour at Flora Farm

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Williams, OR
See All Events

Meet Our Experts

Photo of Nick in a vegetable field
Nick Andrews
Organic Vegetable Extension
Shayan Motazedi Ghajar
Assistant Professor (Practice), Extension Organic Pasture and Forages

I focus on organic, transitioning, and low-input sustainable pasture and forage management for producers in Oregon.

Todd Anderson headshot, outdoors, source unknown, permission from Todd
Todd Anderson
Assistant Professor of Practice, organic tree fruit and nuts specialist
Brigid Meints
Assistant Professor (Practice), organic grains and pulses extension specialist
See All Organic agriculture Experts
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