Dear Colleagues,
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has release two requests for applications related to organic agriculture.
1) Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions (ORG) for fiscal year (FY) 2025. This program aims to support the development and implementation of research, extension, and higher education programs to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those adopting organic practices.
Eligibility and Project Priorities
This funding opportunity focuses on environmental services provided by organic farming systems, including soil conservation, pollinator health, and climate change mitigation (e.g., greenhouse gas reduction). It also supports the development of educational tools for Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals advising producers on organic practices. Additionally, the program encourages the development of cultural practices and allowable alternatives to substances recommended for removal from the National Organic Program's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. Proposals should integrate research, education, and extension activities as appropriate to project goals, ensuring impact in at least two of these areas.
Projects should emphasize:
- Soil Conservation: Innovative methods to conserve and improve soil health.
- Pollinator Health: Practices to support and sustain pollinator populations.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from organic farming systems.
- Educational Tools: Resources for Cooperative Extension personnel to better support organic producers.
- Alternatives to Prohibited Substances: Development of cultural practices and alternatives to substances removed from the National List.
Key Details
- Maximum Award Amount: $1,000,000
- Matching Requirement: 100% Match required (waivable; see RFA for details)
- Proposal Deadline: Thursday, March 6, 2025
How to Apply
Visit the NIFA website to learn more about this funding opportunity and access the full Request for Applications (RFA).
2) Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) for fiscal year (FY) 2025. This program seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high-quality organic agricultural products.
Eligibility and Project Priorities
This funding opportunity focuses on addressing biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics, and emphasizes research, education, and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning. Projects should deliver practical, research-based, and applied production information to producers. Fieldwork must be conducted on certified organic land or land transitioning to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals. Proposals should align with USDA National Organic Program standards for organic production.
The OREI program seeks proposals for the following types of projects:
- Tier 1 Integrated Proposal: Comprehensive projects addressing significant organic agriculture challenges. Maximum Award Amount: $3,500,000
- Tier 2 Integrated Proposal: Focused projects addressing regional or targeted issues. Maximum Award Amount: $2,000,000
- Tier 3 Integrated Proposal: Smaller-scale projects with localized impacts. Maximum Award Amount: $1,000,000
- Curriculum Development Proposal: Creation of educational materials and tools for organic agriculture. Maximum Award Amount: $750,000
- Conference Proposal: Organizing conferences to support organic agriculture goals. Maximum Award Amount: $75,000
- Planning Proposal: Development of strategic plans for future organic agriculture projects. Maximum Award Amount: $50,000
Key Details
- Matching Requirement: 100% Match required (waivable; see RFA for details)
- Proposal Deadline: Thursday, February 13, 2025
How to Apply
Visit the NIFA website to learn more about this funding opportunity and access the full Request for Applications (RFA).
Thank you,
Kendra Rose, Associate Director, ANR Proposal Development Services