NIFA makes $17M available for organic research

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is making available $17.6 million in grants focused on organic agriculture research, education, and extension activities. The grants are funded through a competitive process by NIFA’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, authorized by the 2014 farm bill. “America’s organic industry continues to be one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “NIFA strives to support the development and deployment of science-based best knowledge and practices to organic producers to help them grow their businesses while solving critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems.” Eligible entities include land-grant and other research universities, federal agencies, national laboratories, state agricultural experiment stations, research foundations, and other private researchers. Applications must be received by March 1. See the OREI funding opportunity for additional information.