The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced on Mar. 15 the Fiscal Year 2026 Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) funding opportunity, which aims to address key challenges in organic agriculture through research, education, and outreach.
The OREI program is significant for organic producers and processors seeking to improve the quality, resilience, and sustainability of their operations. The initiative supports projects that integrate scientific research with practical education and extension activities to deliver actionable knowledge to those working in organic agriculture.
Three Notices of Funding Opportunity are currently open under OREI. The program is also one of the first pilot efforts in NIFA’s Grants Modernization Initiative, which introduces new submission procedures compared to previous USDA NIFA proposals. Projects must include research along with at least one additional component—either education or extension/outreach—and actively involve organic producers and stakeholders throughout project design, implementation, and evaluation.
Priority areas for OREI funding include advanced on-farm research for crop and livestock systems, development of tools for extension professionals advising organic producers, post-harvest handling practices that improve product quality, breeding adapted to organic conditions, integrated pest management compatible with organic standards, livestock health systems that enhance productivity and welfare, as well as breeding livestock genotypes suited for organic environments. Applications are due by May 14 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Project durations range from three to four years with awards between $50,000 and $3.5 million; a non-federal match is required but waivers may be possible. Additional opportunities are available for planning projects (up to $50,000) requiring regional coordination and workshop projects (up to $75,000).
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs according to the official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices aimed at strengthening resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to the official website. It utilizes nine research and extension centers as laboratories representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to the official website.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources has gained recognition for linking research directly with community needs according to the official website, operates Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system according to the official website, conducts over 33,800 educational events annually while engaging more than 18,400 volunteers according to the official website, and extends university research statewide through educational programs promoting sustainable agricultural practices in all counties according to the official website.
Looking ahead, these funding opportunities are expected to further strengthen collaboration among researchers, educators, extension professionals, producers, processors, and communities involved in advancing U.S. organic agriculture.