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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - USDA-NIFA Organic Transitions Program (ORG)

What is the Organic Transitions Program (ORG)?

The Organic Transitions Program (ORG) is a competitive grant opportunity from USDA-NIFA designed to strengthen the organic agriculture sector by funding projects that combine research, extension, and higher education.

What is the main purpose of the ORG grant program?

The central aim of ORG is to improve the competitiveness and long-term viability of organic crop and livestock producers, as well as conventional producers who are transitioning to organic practices. The program emphasizes practical, on-the-ground needs and the creation of usable knowledge and tools that can be applied directly by producers and advisors.

What types of activities does ORG fund?

ORG funds projects that integrate research, extension, and higher education. Projects are expected to generate practical findings and translate results into learning and adoption through extension and education components.

Who is this program intended to benefit?

The program is intended to benefit organic crop and livestock producers, conventional producers transitioning to organic practices, and the advisors and agricultural professionals who support these producers.

What subject areas are emphasized in this funding opportunity?

The opportunity emphasizes practical organic production needs, tools and knowledge that can be applied in the field, and the environmental value of organic farming systems, especially where organic practices can deliver measurable benefits in soil conservation and climate change mitigation.

Does the ORG program focus on environmental and climate outcomes?

Yes. A major focus area is the environmental value of organic farming systems, particularly soil conservation and climate change mitigation. The opportunity specifically highlights greenhouse gases (GHG), indicating interest in projects that quantify, reduce, or better manage emissions through organic systems.

What kinds of greenhouse gas (GHG) work are relevant to ORG?

The opportunity signals interest in projects that can quantify greenhouse gas emissions, reduce emissions, or improve emission management through organic farming systems, alongside related conservation outcomes tied to organic management.

What soil and conservation topics are relevant under ORG?

Relevant topics include improving soil health, erosion control, soil conservation, and broader conservation outcomes associated with organic management practices.

What are the newer priorities mentioned in this opportunity?

The opportunity introduces two specific newer priorities: (1) developing educational tools and resources for Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals who advise farmers on organic practices, and (2) developing cultural practices and other allowable alternatives to materials that may be removed from the NOP National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

What does ORG mean by educational tools and resources for advisors?

This priority supports improving the capacity of the advisory network by funding training materials, decision-support tools, curricula, and other resources that help Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals provide accurate, up-to-date guidance aligned with organic standards and real farm constraints.

Why does the opportunity mention the NOP National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances?

The opportunity funds development of cultural practices and other allowable alternatives to materials that may be removed from the National Organic Program (NOP) National List. This encourages research and outreach that help organic producers maintain effective strategies if certain inputs become unavailable.

What kinds of alternatives are encouraged if materials are removed from the NOP National List?

The opportunity encourages cultural practices and other allowable alternatives, emphasizing management-based solutions and compliant strategies for pest, disease, fertility, or livestock health needs.

Are both crop and livestock projects eligible?

Yes. Projects may address organic crops, organic animal production, or integrated systems that combine plant and animal production.

Can proposals focus on integrated or whole-farm systems?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly allows integrated systems and whole-farm approaches, including models linking agronomy, animal health, economics, and education, as long as the work advances organic production practices and supports adoption through extension and education.

Is the ORG program only for currently organic producers?

No. The program also targets conventional producers who are in the process of transitioning to organic practices, in addition to already-organic crop and livestock producers.

What makes a project a good fit for ORG based on this description?

Based on the provided information, a strong fit would be a project grounded in practical organic production needs, integrating research with extension and education, improving performance and resilience in organic systems, and producing usable tools or knowledge for producers and advisors. Projects aligned with soil conservation, climate mitigation, and/or the two newer priorities are also highlighted.

What agency administers this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant program under USDA-NIFA (United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture).

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The program is listed under CFDA 10.303.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is USDA NIFA ICGP 005596.

What is the application deadline?

The listed application deadline is April 15, 2016. The original and current closing date are the same.

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was created and posted on January 7, 2016.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount is $500,000.

Is this a competitive grant?

Yes. The ORG program is described as a competitive grant opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is noted broadly as "Others." Applicants are expected to consult the opportunity's additional eligibility details to confirm whether their organization type qualifies.

Does the opportunity specify required project components?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes that projects should combine research, extension, and higher education, and that results should be translated into learning and adoption through extension and education components.