Bringing Ohio State’s expertise to bear for organic farmers and producers

June 30, 2020

OFFER—Organic Food & Farming Education and Research—was first founded at The Ohio State University in 1998 in order to provide science-based information for Ohio's organic farmers. In the more than two decades that have passed since OFFER's founding, organic has surged in popularity in Ohio, one of the top states for transitioning to organic production. All of this makes OFFER's mission “to provide research and educational support for producers, processors and marketers of organic foods” even more urgent.

Brian Gwin, OFFER's newly appointed coordinator, is ready for the challenge. He's been with Ohio State since 2012, when he was hired as part of a grant led by InFACT Faculty Director Casey Hoy. Prior to that, Gwin worked in economic development in northeast Ohio. Most recently, he's been director of special projects in the office of the director of OARDC. “I've done a lot of community and industry relation activities for the university,” says Gwin. “This new role with OFFER is natural to what I've been doing with relationship development.”

Hoy looks forward to working more directly with Gwin again. “Brian's appointment as OFFER coordinator is an excellent use of his talents and extensive experience, particularly in economic development connected with agriculture,” says Hoy. “The Agroecosystems Management Program and OFFER have been in close collaboration since both were launched over two decades ago. And currently, organic production and value chains present a rapidly growing opportunity for transformative changes in agriculture and food systems, a key interest with respect to the InFACT research agenda.”

While Gwin is still in the early phase of his new job—meeting with faculty and community partners to learn all he can about OFFER's challenges and opportunities—he's excited about the future. “Right now, we have a lot of faculty who are interested in organics. There's a real vibrant interest. I'm hoping that I can help bring an understanding of where the opportunities are as we grow and scale the organic sector, helping create new pathways to industry.”

Research is a major focus of OFFER, with major grants awarded to projects including soil balancing and organic poultry. Gwin hopes that as funded projects come to fruition, he can help to translate researchers' findings into better outcomes for Ohio's organic farmers and producers. “We'll be looking for ways to deliver research outcomes and content effectively to all our clientele.” That includes looking for ways to serve Ohioans beyond the traditional organic farmers.

In addition to research, OFFER also delivers educational and outreach programming. And while community outreach is currently hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, it's something Gwin looks forward to. “Whether through OSU Extension or other collaborations on the Wooster campus and ATI, outreach to farmers and others in the community will be an important part of OFFER's programming.”