Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions | USDA NIFA ICGP 008060

Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA ICGP 008060

The Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program - Organic Transitions (ORG) is a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) discretionary grant opportunity designed to strengthen the competitiveness of organic crop and livestock producers and to help producers who are transitioning into organic production. The program is built around the idea that organic agriculture is not just a market category, but also a production system that can deliver measurable public benefits. As a result, ORG funds projects that generate practical, science-based outcomes for farmers and the professionals who support them, while also advancing broader environmental and sustainability goals tied to organic systems.

A central focus of this opportunity is integrated project design. Proposals are expected to combine research with at least one additional component: education and/or extension. In practice, that means projects should not stop at producing new knowledge; they should also include credible plans for training, outreach, and adoption so results can be used by producers, advisers, and communities. While an application may lean more heavily toward research, education, or extension depending on its objectives, every proposal should clearly demonstrate research activities plus meaningful education and/or extension impacts.

NIFA sets ORG priorities using stakeholder input and in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB). For this funding cycle, ORG continues to emphasize the environmental services associated with organic farming systems. Priority areas highlighted in the notice include soil conservation, pollinator health, and climate change mitigation, including work related to greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the program is interested in efforts that develop educational tools and resources for Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals who advise producers on organic practices. Another notable priority is developing cultural practices and other allowable alternatives to inputs that may be recommended for removal from the National Organic Program (NOP) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, reflecting a real-world need for organic producers to maintain effective and compliant management options as regulations and input availability evolve.

Eligibility is limited and institution-focused. Applications may only be submitted by colleges and universities as defined in federal statute (7 U.S.C. 3103), including eligible 1994 Institutions and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities. Although only these entities can apply as the primary applicant, funded recipients are allowed to subcontract with organizations that are not themselves eligible to apply, as long as those partners are necessary to carry out the project. This structure supports collaboration with nonprofits, private sector partners, producer groups, or other technical organizations, but keeps the award and primary responsibility anchored within eligible higher-education institutions.

The opportunity also has strict submission rules: duplicate or multiple submissions are not allowed. If an applicant submits more than one version or multiple applications where duplicates are identified, NIFA will disqualify both, so applicants need to ensure they submit a single, final, compliant application package by the deadline. The notice also stresses that failing to meet eligibility requirements by the application deadline can lead to the application being excluded from consideration or make NIFA unable to issue an award even if the proposal is reviewed.

Key administrative details from the listing include: the funding opportunity number USDA NIFA ICGP 008060, CFDA (now assistance listing) number 10.303, an original closing date of March 15, 2021, and an award ceiling of $500,000. The agency is the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the funding instrument type is a grant under the agriculture funding activity category. For applicants newer to federal assistance, NIFA points to its Grants Overview resources to help applicants understand expectations and mechanics of the federal awards process.

• The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.303.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-12-23.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-03-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for USDA NIFA ICGP 008060

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