USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced the availability of $17.6 million for research and outreach activities to support the organic agriculture sector. The grants are funded through NIFA's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

Funded projects will aid farmers and ranchers with whole-farm planning. (Photo: Ljupco/Thinkstock)

"The organic industry is the fastest growing segment of U.S. agriculture, with sales growing by $4.2 billion last year to reach a record $43.3 billion," said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. "Over the past seven years, USDA has invested nearly $261 million in research to improve the productivity and success of organic agriculture, including seed-breeding. The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative is one of the many ways USDA is helping this sector meet growing consumer demand."

OREI funds high-priority research, education and extension projects that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic products. Eligible entities include land-grant and other research universities, federal agencies, national laboratories, state agricultural experiment stations, and research foundations and other private researchers.

Priority areas include biological, physical and social science research, including economics. Funded projects will aid farmers and ranchers with whole-farm planning by delivering practical research-based information and improve the ability for growers to develop the Organic System Plan required for certification.

Applications are due by Jan. 19, 2017. See the OREI request for applications for details.

Source: USDA