The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) has announced a grant opportunity under the number USDA-NIFA-ICGP-010290. This funding opportunity, titled “Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions,” is dedicated to supporting the development and implementation of programs that enhance the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those adopting organic practices. The program is particularly focused on environmental services provided by organic farming systems, including soil conservation, pollinator health, and climate change mitigation.
Eligible applicants for this grant include colleges and universities, as defined in relevant U.S. Code, with the opportunity for award recipients to subcontract necessary organizations for project execution. The ORG program emphasizes the integration of research, education, and extension activities, tailored to each project’s goals. Projects are expected to focus not only on research but also on developing educational tools for Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals who advise producers on organic practices. With an estimated total program funding of $7.5 million, and individual awards ranging from $20,000 to $1,000,000, this grant represents a significant investment in the advancement of organic agriculture in the United States. The closing date for applications is March 07, 2024, marking an important opportunity for institutions focused on organic agriculture and its related environmental benefits.
Opportunity ID: 351129
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | USDA-NIFA-ICGP-010290 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Agriculture |
| Category Explanation: | |
| Expected Number of Awards: | 12 |
| CFDA Number(s): | 10.303 — Integrated Programs |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | Yes |
| Version: | Synopsis 1 |
| Posted Date: | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Last Updated Date: | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | Mar 07, 2024 |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Mar 07, 2024 |
| Archive Date: | Apr 06, 2024 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $ 7,500,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $1,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $20,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the ORG must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process. 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. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | National Institute of Food and Agriculture |
| Description: | 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. |
| Link to Additional Information: | Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: NIFA Support
Key Information: Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays |