Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions

Background
The overall goal of the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) is 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 who are adopting organic practices. NIFA administers the ORG program by determining priorities in U.S. agriculture through Agency stakeholder input processes in consultation with the NAREEEAB. ORG will continue to prioritize environmental services provided by organic farming systems in the area of soil conservation, pollinator health, and climate change mitigation, including greenhouse gases (GHG), as well as the development of educational tools for Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals who advise producers on organic practices, and development of cultural practices and other allowable alternatives to substances recommended for removal from the National Organic Program’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
It is expected that all projects will integrate research, education and extension activities, as appropriate to project goals, although some projects may be weighted more heavily than others in one or more of these areas. However, all proposals should have activities and impact in research and at least one of the other areas: education and extension.

Grant Details
The Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions (ORG) authorized under 7 U.S.C. 7626 enables the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grants program that provides funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The RFA will be developed every two fiscal years based on these established priorities and approaches to solving critical agricultural issues. The ORG under assistance listing 10.303 is aligned with the USDA Strategic Plan found at (https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf). The anticipated amount available for ORG in FY2022 is approximately $6,650,000. NIFA anticipates funding standard Integrated Research, Education, and Extension projects with a project period of 2 to 4 years. The budgets that applicants provide may not exceed $300,000 per year with the total amount budgeted per award not to exceed $750,000.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the ORG must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Applications may only be submitted by colleges and universities, as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103, 1994 Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities.

Period of Performance
Up to 4 years

Grant Value
$6,650,000 anticipated funding with an average award range of $750,000

Place of Performance
All fieldwork on organic practices must be done on certified organic land and/or certified facilities.