University of Minnesota
Organic Ecology
Research & Outreach Program



The University of Minnesota Organic Ecology program, led by the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and its Research and Outreach Center network, focuses on the science and practice of Agroecology as it pertains to…

Food and Fiber Production >> Human Health >> Natural Resource Stewardship

The program supports the following:

• education opportunities for college students interested in learning about agroecology and organic farming systems
• advanced research for faculty, graduate students, and other researchers in the ecological management of organic farming sytems
• vital knowledge and information about organic agriculture for members of the public, including consumers, producers, ag professionals, educators, health care providers and policy makers

Who we serve

The Organic Ecology program serves producers, ag professionals, lenders, educators, students, researchers, health care providers, policy makers, consumers, and members of the general public who are interested in organic agricultural and ecological science.

Program activities

The program engages intended constituents by disseminating information about research and educational programs. We sponsor field days and support organic agriculture conferences. We support the work of the MOFIE network and connect with the Minnesota Organic Network and regional New Ag Network.

Program background

Our program has been developed in order to better coordinate organic research and outreach activities and to draw attention to the University of Minnesota’s lead in supporting organic agriculture research, driven largely by the increasing demand for organic products and expanding opportunities for farmers who choose to farm organically.