FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(JULY 6, 2022) – Natural Farming Analysis Basis (OFRF) Analysis & Training Program Supervisor Thelma Vélez, PhD, not too long ago testified earlier than the complete Home Agriculture Committee listening to on “The Function of Local weather Analysis in Supporting Agricultural Resiliency.” As one in all 5 panelists invited to share their experience, Vélez summarized analysis findings that show the potential for natural programs to mitigate local weather change and construct resilience. Her testimony and intensive Q&A mirrored Dr. Vélez’s 15+ years of interdisciplinary analysis expertise and thorough suggestions for extra funding in natural analysis, schooling, and extension to assist American farmers and ranchers. The listening to occurred on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET, and is publicly obtainable for viewing on the Home Ag Democrats YouTube channel.
“OFRF was honored by the invitation to talk earlier than the complete Home Agriculture Committee,” mentioned Brise Tencer, OFRF Government Director. “We’re proud to share our experience primarily based on a few years of reviewing and monitoring analysis associated to natural farming and local weather mitigation and adaptation.”
Vélez was the primary to talk earlier than the complete Home Agriculture Committee, roughly 20 minutes into the livestreamed listening to. “Whereas the natural technique has been proven to have nice potential to contribute to each local weather mitigation and local weather resilience, rather more action-oriented analysis is required to make widespread adoption doable,” testified Vélez.
All through the three-hour assembly, Vélez responded to questions from Home Representatives together with Alma Adams, Shontel Brown, Bobby Rush, Chellie Pingree, Glenn Thompson, Rick Allen, Annie Kuster, Angie Craig, and Jim Baird.
“It was an honor to be invited to weigh in on a essential difficulty dealing with our nation and impacting the spine of our meals system,” mentioned Vélez. “It’s clear that many representatives are involved with constructing resilience throughout America’s farms and the message that natural growers are leaders on this motion was properly obtained.”
In her testimony, Vélez cited OFRF’s not too long ago revealed 2022 Nationwide Natural Analysis Agenda (NORA), a 230-page report compiling survey outcomes and listening session information from over 1,000 licensed natural producers. Over half of the farmers surveyed had been involved with adapting to local weather change and almost 90% said they applied regenerative soil well being administration practices, akin to cowl cropping, a climate-friendly follow.
When fielded a query from Rep. Kat Cammack, Vélez drew from expertise with South Florida farmers who targeted on carbon sequestration and soil fertility. In dialog with Rep. Stacey Plaskett, Vélez advocated for elevated funding in local weather analysis for U.S. Territories. Having researched and labored with farmers constructing resilience to a altering local weather within the Caribbean, Vélez beneficial a deal with farmer-led work and “researchers on the bottom with farmers.”
OFRF has led natural farming and analysis initiatives since its inception in 1993 and has advocated for federal coverage supporting built-in analysis, schooling, and outreach to farmers who construct wholesome resilient farming programs that stand up to local weather change and steward the land for future generations. “It’s a testomony to how OFRF serves as a dependable and constant useful resource on the sound science behind natural farming programs,” mentioned Tencer.
On June 24, 2022, OFRF submitted supplemental testimony to the Home Committee on Agriculture. The group recommends expanded assist of key USDA analysis applications together with the Natural Analysis and Extension Initiative (OREI) and the Sustainable Agriculture Analysis and Training program (SARE), within the subsequent Farm Invoice. Citing its 2022 NORA report, OFRF additionally advocates for investments in technical help, college extension, and farmer coaching.
The testimony additionally states that natural agriculture is a confirmed technique to assist construct resilience within the face of provide chain disruptions and local weather change. Natural agriculture maximizes the efficient use and biking of on-farm and regionally-sourced sources and minimizes reliance on industrially produced inputs. Natural farmers produce meals every single day with out counting on artificial fertilizer – provides for which have been impacted by the battle in Ukraine. OFRF helps actionable analysis that focuses on the broad adoption of natural programs of manufacturing and the local weather resiliency providers it gives.
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About Natural Farming Analysis Basis
Natural Farming Analysis Basis works to foster the development and widespread adoption of natural farming programs. OFRF cultivates natural analysis, schooling, and federal insurance policies that deliver extra farmers and acreage into natural manufacturing. http://www.ofrf.org/
Media Contact
Caroline Baptist, OFRF Communications Supervisor, caroline@ofrf.org