Organic Transitions Program | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The Organic Transitions Program (ORG) is a competitive grant opportunity offered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that aims to strengthen the organic agriculture sector by funding integrated projects that combine research, extension, and higher education. The program is designed to help organic crop and livestock producers, as well as farmers and ranchers who are in the process of adopting organic practices, become more competitive by improving production knowledge, decision-making support, and practical on-farm outcomes. The scope is broad enough to include organic cropping systems, organic animal production, and systems that integrate plants and animals, with an emphasis on real-world implementation and outreach rather than research in isolation.

For FY 2014, the program places a strong priority on the environmental benefits linked to organic farming systems, especially in areas like soil conservation and climate change mitigation. This includes projects that address greenhouse gas (GHG) concerns, such as measuring, reducing, or managing emissions through organic practices, and developing systems that improve soil health and resilience. In other words, the program is not only interested in organic production as a market category, but also in the public benefits organic systems can provide through improved soil management and climate-related outcomes.

Two additional priority areas were added in this funding cycle. The first supports the creation of educational tools for Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals who advise producers on organic practices. This focus recognizes that many farmers rely on trusted advisers, and that better training materials, decision tools, curricula, and outreach resources can speed adoption of proven organic methods and reduce costly trial-and-error. The second new priority encourages the development of 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. Practically speaking, this targets the need for organic systems to remain viable when certain substances are phased out, by replacing them with management-based strategies or other compliant tools that still control pests, diseases, weeds, or fertility challenges.

Administratively, this opportunity is a discretionary grant program categorized under Agriculture, Food and Nutrition, and it is listed under CFDA 10.303 (Integrated Programs). The estimated total funding available is about $4,000,000, with an award ceiling of $500,000 per project, and a stated award floor of $0. The program requires cost sharing or matching, meaning applicants must contribute non-federal resources in line with the program rules. The funding opportunity number is USDA-NIFA-ICGP-004448, and the application window for this cycle opened on February 4, 2014, with an original and current closing date of April 4, 2014 (and an archive date of May 4, 2014).

Eligibility is centered on colleges and universities as defined in Section 1404 of NARETPA (7 U.S.C. 3103). This includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and, following amendments in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, it also includes Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs). Research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities are also included, which allows affiliated entities to apply when they meet the definition tied to an eligible institution. Overall, the program is geared toward institutions capable of running integrated research and outreach efforts, building practical tools, and delivering education that directly supports organic producers and those transitioning into organic production.

For assistance, NIFA provided help desk contact information for applicants who have trouble accessing the full announcement electronically, with phone support available during standard business hours (excluding federal holidays).

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