Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components

The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components is a competitive funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). OREI is designed to support integrated research, education, and extension programs that enhance the ability of certified organic producers and processors to grow and market high-quality organic agricultural products. This program aligns with the USDA's broader strategic goals, including increasing profitability for farmers and ranchers, expanding markets, protecting agricultural integrity, and promoting long-term productivity through soil health and conservation. The primary purpose of the OREI is to solve pressing issues in organic agriculture by funding high-priority integrated projects. These projects must include research and at least one additional component from either education or extension/outreach. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that address biological, physical, or economic challenges relevant to organic systems. The scope of eligible activities includes, but is not limited to, the development of new organic production and processing methods, market and policy analysis, on-farm research, soil health studies, post-harvest handling improvements, and seed variety development tailored for organic conditions. The FY 2026 cycle offers approximately $65 million in total funding, with individual award amounts ranging from $50,000 to $3.5 million. Awards are granted through three tiers based on project scope: Tier 1 (up to $3.5 million for large, multi-state collaborations), Tier 2 (up to $2 million for national or regional issues), and Tier 3 (up to $1 million for localized, focused projects). Projects must have a duration of 36 to 48 months and include a data management plan. Applicants are required to provide 100% matching contributions for all federal funds requested, although waivers may be granted under specific conditions involving general applicability or scientifically important research involving minor commodities. The application process is conducted electronically through Grants.gov. There is no requirement for a Letter of Intent. The application package must include a completed SF-424 form, project narrative (not exceeding 21 pages), budget justification, biographical sketches, and a detailed timeline. The application deadline is May 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. All proposed fieldwork must take place on USDA-certified organic land or facilities unless a waiver is granted. Review criteria focus on relevance to OREI priorities, scientific merit, stakeholder engagement, and project management quality. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad. Applications may be submitted by State Agricultural Experiment Stations, colleges and universities (including research foundations), federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations, and individuals who are U.S. citizens or nationals. Groups comprising any combination of these entities are also eligible. Award recipients may subcontract with otherwise ineligible entities if necessary for project implementation. This inclusive approach promotes collaboration across institutions and sectors to address the diverse challenges of organic agriculture. All applications are evaluated via a rigorous peer review process. Reviewers are selected based on expertise and the ability to assess both scientific merit and practical relevance to organic producers. Final award recommendations may include revisions to project scope or budget. Funding is contingent on availability and merit, with no guarantee of award quantity. Program staff will provide applicants with reviewer feedback after the process. Questions may be directed to NIFA support via [email protected]. Additional resources, including a sample application guide and support contacts for Grants.gov and eRA Commons, are detailed in the notice.

Engage stakeholders early; avoid overlapping submissions with ORG; use certified organic land or explain waiver; clearly define evaluation metrics