Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Planning Projects for Assistance in Development of Future OREI Proposals Requiring Multi-regional or Regional Coordination
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering a funding opportunity through the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) for planning projects aimed at enhancing U.S. organic agriculture. The initiative seeks to address challenges in organic farming through integrated research, education, and extension, with a total funding pool of approximately $550,000 available for 11 projects, each receiving between $5,000 and $50,000. Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations, colleges, universities, federal agencies, and individuals, with a requirement for a 100% matching contribution, although waivers may be considered. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by May 14, 2026, and should adhere to specific content guidelines, including a seven-page project narrative. For further inquiries, applicants can contact NIFA at grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov.
Eligible Applicants
Applications may only be submitted by the following entities:State Agricultural Experiment StationsColleges and universitiesUniversity research foundationsOther research institutions and organizationsFederal agenciesNational laboratoriesPrivate organizations, foundations, or corporationsIndividuals who are United States citizens or nationalsA group consisting of two or more of the entities described in items (1) through (8).Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project by an eligible entity.