Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS)

The Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) is a collaboratively managed, programmatically independent consortium of universities, NGOs, and industry representatives who envision a future where families, farms, and ecosystems are viable, healthy, and resilient. Our mission is to train agricultural professionals in the practices and principles of organic crop production so that every farmer has access to science-based agronomic support.

Our training programs focus on agricultural professionals who serve farmers on the organic spectrum, from considering, through transition, and maintaining certification. These professionals include agronomists, Certified Crop Advisors, agri-business and retail service, independent consultants, and university extension educators. We educate this audience through regionally adapted trainings across five agricultural production areas: Mid-Atlantic, Midwest East, Midwest Central, Midwest West, and Rocky Mountain West.

OATS is fiscally sponsored by the Organic Trade Association who provides non-profit oversight, financial accounting and reporting, grant administration, and general guidance. The Organic Trade Association also serves as an anchor fundraiser for OATS programming activities through its industry-invested GRO Organic Voluntary Research, Promotion, and Education Program.