The purpose of this program is to fund high priority integrated projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products and to increase resilience in American farming systems.

Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Workshop Projects

BASIC INFORMATION

FEDERAL AGENCY: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE: Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Workshop Projects

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Initial Announcement

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Fiscal Year (FY) 2025

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-D113A-32483

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.307

FUNDING DETAILS (ANTICIPATED):

• Available Funding: $450,000
• Award Range: $5,000 - $75,000
• Number of Awards: 6

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: A Letter of Intent is not requested for this funding opportunity announcement.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, 05/14/2026

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: NIFA requests applications for OREI workshop projects for FY 2026 to solve U.S. organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension/outreach. Applicants should check the OREI web page to access the NOFO and check for updates. OREI funds research, education, and extension/outreach programs that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products.

This notice identifies the objectives for OREI projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for an OREI grant.

AGENCY CONTACT: See Appendix I.

RELATED ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to the extent permitted by law, will no longer make grants or otherwise fund programs or activities that improperly discriminate on the basis of race or sex, including discrimination in the name of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies. Instead, USDA will prioritize merit and efficiency. USDA recognizes programs and initiatives will have the greatest impact when these programs and initiatives put American farmers, ranchers, and foresters first by:

• solving the most pressing challenges they face;
• protecting America’s food, fuel, and fiber supply to enhance national security;
• supporting production of healthy and safe food for consumers;
• expanding and developing domestic markets;
• training the next generation of agriculturalists; and
• fueling innovation to keep American farmers at the forefront of productivity.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to advancing these principles and encourages applicants to actively engage farmers, ranchers, and foresters when applying for funding opportunities to ensure relevancy and adherence to them. NIFA also encourages agricultural leaders to engage in the peer review panel process to ensure American producers are better served through research, education, and extension activities.

Projects submitted under this NOFO should align with USDA Secretary’s Memorandum 1078-020 Directive on Departmental Research and Development Priorities:

• Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers
• Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products
• Protecting the Integrity of American Agriculture from Invasive Species
• Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land
• Improving Human Health through Precision Nutrition and Food Quality

Stakeholder Input: NIFA seeks comments on all Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and uses comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov.

Table of Contents

• NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
• BASIC INFORMATION
• PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
  • A. Legislative Authority
  • B. Purpose and Priorities
  • C. Program Key Information
• PART II. AWARD INFORMATION
  • A. Available Funding
  • B. Application Restrictions
  • C. Project and Grant Types
  • D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects
• PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
  • A. Eligibility Requirements
  • B. Cost Sharing or Matching
• PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION
  • A. Method of Application
  • B. Content and Form of Application
  • C. Funding Restrictions
• PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
  • A. NIFA's Evaluation Process
  • B. Evaluation Criteria
  • C. Organizational Management Information
  • D. Application Disposition
• PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION
  • A. General
  • B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
  • C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
• PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION
  • A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget
  • B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
  • C. Regulatory Information
  • D. Language Access Services
• APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT
• APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
• APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority

Section 7210 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 amended section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade (FACT) Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b). The FACT Act, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB), to make competitive grants to support research, education, and extension/outreach activities regarding organically grown and processed agricultural commodities for eight legislatively defined goals (see Part I, B.).

B. Purpose and Priorities

The OREI, under assistance listing 10.307, seeks to solve U.S. organic agricultural issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund high priority integrated projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products and to increase resilience in American farming systems. Priority concerns include biological and physical sciences, and economics.

Consistent with 7 U.S.C. 5925b, OREI competitive grants may support research, education, and extension activities regarding organically grown and processed agricultural commodities for the purposes of:

• Facilitating the development and improvement of organic agriculture production, breeding, and processing methods;
• Evaluating the potential economic benefits of organic agricultural production and methods to producers, processors, and rural communities;
• Exploring international trade opportunities for organically grown and processed agricultural commodities;
• Determining desirable traits for organic commodities;
• Identifying marketing and policy constraints on the expansion of organic agriculture;
• Conducting advanced on-farm research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for working organic farms, including research relating to production, marketing, food safety, socioeconomic conditions, and farm business management;
• Examining optimal conservation, soil health, and environmental outcomes relating to organically produced agricultural products; and
• Developing new and improved seed varieties that are particularly suited for organic agriculture.

Priorities: Proposals are encouraged in the following areas based on legislative goals and stakeholder input (not listed in order of importance):

1. Conduct advanced on-farm crop, livestock, or integrated livestock-crop research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for organic farms, including production and marketing. These issues could include both identification of factors reducing yields, efficiency, productivity, and economic returns on organic farms and the economic contributions of organic farming to producers and processors. This priority includes studies that help producers monitor and improve efficiency, productivity, and soil health; studies focusing on soil, plant and/or livestock associated microbiomes with practical applications to organic production systems; and the development of tools and testing methodologies to ensure organic integrity.
2. Develop and demonstrate tools for extension personnel and other professionals who advise producers on organic practices. Applications bringing end users together with OREI-funded research, education, and extension/outreach teams are encouraged.
3. For both plant and animal-based organic products: evaluate, develop, and improve allowable post-harvest handling, processing, and food safety practices to reduce toxins and microbial contamination while increasing shelf life, quality, and other economically important characteristics.
4. Strengthen organic crop propagation systems, including seed and transplant production and protection, and plant breeding for organic production conditions, with an emphasis on publicly available releases. Goals of organic propagation and breeding-focused proposals can include, but are not limited to: disease, weed, and pest resistance; stress tolerance; nutrient use efficiency; performance in soil-improving systems; and quality and yield improvement. This priority includes cover crop breeding for enhanced performance in organic systems. Projects dealing solely with cultivar evaluation do not fit under this priority.
5. Explore technologies that meet the requirements of the National Organic Program (NOP)[1]. This includes developing, improving, and evaluating systems-based integrated management programs to address diseases, nematodes, weeds, and insect pest-related problems for organically grown crops. Systems-based evaluations can include the safety and efficacy of allowable pest management materials and practices. Proposals addressing organic management of diseases, nematodes, weeds, and insect pests in the Southern Region are especially encouraged. Where possible, the projects should engage emerging technologies such as automation, remote sensing, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, and digital scouting to enhance plant protection and weed control as well as improve productivity.
6. Develop or improve systems-based animal production, animal health, and pest management practices to improve animal productivity, health, and husbandry while retaining or enhancing economic viability. Projects should capitalize on emerging opportunities such as automation, artificial intelligence, deep learning, and precision management in animal production, husbandry and health; and managing risk, as appropriate, to continue to advance animal research programs and sustain effective technology transfer.
7. Breed, evaluate, and select animal breeds and genotypes adapted to organic systems. This may include, but is not restricted to: identification of and selection for pest, parasite, and disease resistance, fluctuating forage quality, and other stresses.

The OREI is particularly interested in research, education, and extension/outreach projects that will assist farmer and rancher whole farm planning by delivering practical, research-based information. Applicants should describe how the results of their research, education, and extension/outreach programs will improve the ability of growers to develop and maintain the Organic System Plan required for organic certification.

Organic systems fieldwork must be done on USDA-certified organic land and/or in USDA-certified organic facilities. In special cases, studies can be conducted on land/facilities in transition to organic certification as is appropriate to project goals and objectives. For this program, a land parcel/facility is not considered organic unless it has received USDA certification. It is expected that land/facilities in transition to USDA organic certification will be certified by the end of the project. Refer to the USDA National Organic Program for organic production standards. If the entire project is hosted by a commercial organic operation whose gross income from organic sales totals $5,000 or less, the certification requirement might be waived. A justification should be included in the section addressing the USDA organic certification. Trials investigating animal health issues should be conducted in a USDA-certified organic setting if animal management could play a pivotal role in the response of the animal to the proposed intervention. Otherwise, a USDA-certified organic setting is not required for clinical trials involving animal health.

Proposals with significant overlap in objectives and scope cannot be submitted simultaneously to both the OREI and Organic Transitions (ORG) programs. NIFA will disqualify both applications. Additional information on the scope of OREI and ORG may be found at Organic Agriculture Program under “Program-Specific Resources.”

Studies designed to compare organic production systems with conventional production systems are not appropriate for this NOFO. Those applications could be submitted to other NIFA programs like Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), or regional Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).

Partnerships are encouraged within OREI.

NIFA strongly encourages applicants to consult with organic producers and/or processors before developing project applications. Producers and/or processors should play an important and active role in developing project goals and objectives; implementing the plan; and evaluating and disseminating project results and outcomes. Projects must involve work that is viewed by stakeholders as both necessary and important. There is an expectation that a local and/or regional advisory panel will inform the project throughout its life, including ongoing identification and prioritization of research, education, and extension/outreach objectives. An outcome-oriented plan for disseminating information derived from project work must be an integral part of the project and described. This information delivery plan should consider several delivery systems and methods. The metrics for evaluating research, education, and extension/outreach outcomes should be clearly described and appropriate to project goals.

When working with growers and/or processors, sufficient funds should be requested and reserved during the course of the project for expected project costs such as, but not limited to: compensation for participation at project meetings and hosting of project activities; compensation for certified land or facility use; and compensation for crop destruction or sampling.

The following websites may be useful in developing OREI applications:

• https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program
• https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/MS_ResearchPrioritiesDD.pdf
• https://nifa.usda.gov/program/organic-agriculture-program
• https://eorganic.info/
• https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2017/index.php
• https://www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Organic_Production/index.php

The OREI encourages use of multiple extension/outreach delivery methods, including virtual and face-to-face meetings and tours, farmer-to-farmer mentoring, print publications, and social media, as appropriate to project goals.

For a program informational webinar please visit the NIFA calendar for dates, event registration, and link. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the informational webinars listed, please contact the event host listed no later than 10 days prior to the event.

[1] The National Organic Program (NOP) National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) maintains a list of research priorities that is updated annually: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/MS_ResearchPrioritiesDD.pdf

Related Announcements: This announcement is a component of a suite of three NOFOs. The other two NOFOs are:

• USDA-NIFA-D113A-32357: Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Planning Projects for Assistance in Development of Future OREI Proposals Requiring Multi-regional or Regional Coordination
• USDA-NIFA-D113A-32481: Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components

C. Program Key Information

The following key program information only pertains to the funding year for FY 2026.

• PROGRAM NAME: Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative
• PROGRAM ACRONYM: OREI
• PROGRAM CLASSIFICATION CODE (PCC): D113A
• PROJECT TYPE: Integrated Research, Education, and/or Extension
• GRANT TYPE: Workshop Grants
• AWARD DURATION: 12 Months
• MINIMUM AWARD AMOUNT: $5,000
• MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNT: $75,000

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding

The amount available for OREI in FY 2026 is approximately $66,000,000. This amount includes approximately $44,000,000 from FY 2025, and $22,000,000 from FY 2026. The Workshop Projects component of OREI has approximately $450,000 available for awards. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

The Automated Standard Application for Payments, operated by the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this NOFO.

B. Application Restrictions

NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this NOFO. Application for FY 2026 is limited to the following application types:

• New Application: New applications will be evaluated using the criteria described in Part V of this NOFO and are subject to the due dates herein (see Appendix III for definition).
• Resubmitted Application: Resubmitted applications must include the response to the previous review panel summary and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Resubmitted applicants must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

C. Project and Grant Types

Workshop proposals support workshops or symposia bringing together scientists and others, including end users, to identify research, education, or extension/outreach needs; update information; or advance understanding of organic issues and problems using a systems-based approach. These should occur within 12 months of the award start date. Workshops providing current information to farmers and ranchers should be held to the extent possible in conjunction with meetings regularly attended by organic producers and processors. Workshop proposals should go beyond just meeting activities and should lead to clear outputs and outcomes. Documentation of outputs and outcomes may include, but is not limited to, proceedings, white papers, opinion papers, fact sheets, bulletins, or priority setting. This information should be publicly available.

D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects

In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through acceptance of the award, that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award recipients must, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and documentation to support the conduct of the training. See Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research for further information.

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the requirements discussed in this NOFO. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA's About Grants provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

Eligibility Type: The following entity(ies) may apply to this NOFO: Individuals and Organizations.

Applications may only be submitted by the following entities:

1. State Agricultural Experiment Stations
2. Colleges and universities
3. University research foundations
4. Other research institutions and organizations
5. Federal agencies
6. National laboratories
7. Private organizations, foundations, or corporations
8. Individuals who are United States citizens or nationals
9. A group consisting of two or more of the entities described in items (1) through (8).

Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project by an eligible entity.

USDA will not accept applications for grants and cooperative agreements submitted for dangerous gain-of-function research, as defined in Section 8 of E.O. 14292.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions: Duplicate, essentially duplicate, or predominantly overlapping applications submitted simultaneously to both OREI and another NIFA program, such as ORG, in the same fiscal year will not be reviewed. NIFA will disqualify both applications in the event of this particular occurrence.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

• Match Required: Applicants MUST provide 100% matching contributions for all Federal funds awarded under this funding opportunity announcement.
• Additional Match Requirement Details: None
• Requirement Waiver: NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if one of the following applies:
  • The results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
  • The project involves a minor commodity, the project deals with scientifically important research, and the grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application

Applicants must apply to this NOFO electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this NOFO and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101.

Steps to Obtain Application Materials provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application.

Part III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process.

The NIFA Grants Application Guide is contained in the specific funding opportunity package or a sample of the guide can be found here. When applying for a NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific funding opportunity application package.

Steps to Obtain Application Materials:

• Step One: Register

  • Applicant Organizations: To be eligible to apply for or receive a federal award, applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations:
    • System for Award Management (SAM): Organizations must have an active SAM registration, which must be renewed annually. Renewal may take as long as the initial registration. Domestic organizations will be assigned a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code if they don’t already have one.
    • NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code: Required only for foreign organizations. This code replaces the CAGE code required for SAM registration.
    • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Issued during the SAM registration process. The same UEI must be used across all registrations and on the grant application.
    • eRA Commons: After obtaining a UEI, organizations can register with eRA Commons while completing their Grants.gov registration. Registration must be complete before application submission. Organizations must designate at least one Signing Official (SO) and one Project Director (PD) in eRA Commons when submitting an application.
    • Grants.gov: Requires an active SAM registration to complete. Must be finalized before submitting the application.
    • Important Note: Registration can take six weeks or longer, so begin the process as early as possible. All registrations must be completed before submitting your application.
  • Project Directors (PD(s)): All PD(s) must have an active eRA Commons account. Work with your organization to either:
    • Create a new account, or
    • Affiliate an existing account with the applicant organization.
    • If a PD also serves as the Signing Official, they must have two separate eRA Commons accounts, one for each role.
    • Important Note: Creating an eRA Commons account can take up to two weeks.

• Step Two: Download Adobe

  • Download and Install Adobe Reader (see Adobe Software Compatibility for basic system requirements).

• Step Three: Find Application

  • Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-D113A-32483, search for application here.

• Step Four: Assess Readiness

  • Contact an Authorized Representative (AR) prior to starting an application to assess the organization’s readiness to submit an electronic application.

Help and Resources:

• NIFA Support
  • Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
  • Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7 A.M. – 5 P.M. ET, except Federal holidays.
• Grants.gov Support
  • Grants.gov Online Support
  • Telephone support: 800-518-4726 Toll-Free or 606-545-5035
  • Email support: support@grants.gov
  • Self-service customer-based support: Grants.gov iPortal
  • Customer service business Hours 24/7, except Federal holidays.
• eRA Service Desk
  • Questions regarding eRA Commons and post-submission questions and inquiries
  • Finding help online and submitting web tickets: https://www.era.nih.gov/need-help (preferred method of contact)
  • Telephone: 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552 (Toll Free)
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 A.M. - 8 P.M. ET except Federal holidays.

B. Content and Form of Application

The NIFA Grants Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this NOFO. The NOFO overrides the NIFA Grants Application Guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents. Applicants that do not meet the application requirements, to include partial applications, risk being excluded from NIFA’s review. NIFA will assign a proposal number to all applications that meet the requirements of this NOFO. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA.

Key Application Instructions:

• Portable Document Format (PDF): Attachments must be in Portable Document Format (PDF). Refer to Part IV of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.
• Attachments: Check the manifest of submitted files to verify that attachments are in the correct format. Refer to Part IV of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.
• Administrative Review: Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission. Refer to Part IV of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.
• Submission Instructions: Follow the submission instructions. Refer to Part IV of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.
• Email Address: Provide an accurate email address, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R. Refer to Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.
• SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet: See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances.
• Grants.gov Support Center: Contact the Grants.gov Support Center for technical support and keep a record of the correspondence.
• eRA Service Desk: Contact the eRA Service Desk for questions related to eRA Commons, application errors and warnings, and post-submission inquiries.
• Correspondence: Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 30 days of the application deadline.
• SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s): See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.
• R&R Other Project Information Form: See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.
• Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of OREI. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.
• Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed seven pages of written text including figures and tables for Workshop Project proposals. Applications exceeding these page limits will not be accepted for review. Use font no smaller than 12-point, regardless of line spacing for written text (the font size for tables and figures should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman). The page limits outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. The PN must include all the following:
  • a. Response to previous review (if applicable): This requirement only applies to Resubmitted Applications as described in Part II, B. A three-page maximum response to the previous review (containing the previous proposal number in the first line) titled “Response to Previous Review” as the first page. The three-page maximum “Response to Previous Review” does not count against the seven-page limit of the PN.
  • b. Executive summary and table of contents: The executive summary and table of contents does not count against the seven-page limit of the PN and must include the following information in a combined executive summary and table of contents. Applications without an executive summary containing the following parts will NOT be considered for funding. Note that this section is in addition to and different from the Project Summary page.
    • Project title.
    • Project type (see Part II, C of this RFA).
    • List the legislatively defined goals being addressed (see Part I, B of this RFA) and provide an estimate of the percentage of effort/funds dedicated to each (sum of percentages should equal 100 percent). Note that the legislatively defined goals are not the same as the FY 2026 program priorities.
    • Indicate the approximate distribution of percentage of effort between research, education, and extension/outreach.
    • Program staff and their role – include name, title, affiliation, physical address, and email address for Project Director (PD), Co-PD(s), and Key Personnel. Please note all people listed as Co-PD or Co-PI should be eligible and able to fulfill the role of PD/PI for the project if the need arises. Review of Co-PD roles will be included in project review. Please be clear about Co-PDs vs subcontractors.
    • A brief summary (2-5 sentences) describing the critical organic agriculture stakeholder needs addressed by the project and the project’s long-term goals (provide cross-references to full descriptions in the narrative).
    • A brief summary (2-5 sentences) of the outreach plan proposed by the project (provide a cross-reference to the full description in the narrative).
    • A brief summary (2-5 sentences) describing potential economic and other benefits (Who benefits and how will it be measured?).
    • A brief summary (2-5 sentences) describing stakeholder engagement throughout the project (provide a cross-reference to the full description in the narrative).
    • A brief statement (2-5 sentences) addressing the USDA organic certification. This NOFO requires any organic systems fieldwork to be done on USDA-certified organic land and/or in USDA organic certified facilities. Explain how this proposal meets the requirement if fieldwork is included in the proposal.
  • c. Outcome from previous awards: This section is an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their track record or that of the applicant's team as a whole. Limit the information to the Lead PD (for past awards as Lead PD). Both OREI and ORG projects are relevant. This section does not count against the seven-page limit of the PN and will not penalize those who have not received prior awards. Applicants who have previously received funding from OREI or ORG as Lead PD, provide the following:
    • Award number(s)
    • Significant outcome from each award (maximum of 300 words per award)
  • d. Introduction:
    • Provide a clear statement of the long-term goal(s), the critical need(s) of the kind of organic agriculture being addressed, and supporting outreach objectives.
    • Describe how stakeholders were engaged to identify project goals and objectives, and as appropriate, how stakeholder involvement will continue during the course of the project.
    • Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities that substantiate the need for the proposed project and provide relevant citations.
    • Describe significant ongoing or recently completed activities related to the proposed project including the work of key project personnel. Documentation is particularly important of prior research, education, and extension/outreach activities in organic agriculture. Applications should also demonstrate how duplication of effort with similar activities by other investigators will be avoided.
    • Preliminary data/information pertinent to the proposed work should be included in this section. All works cited should be referenced and attached at Field 9 on the Form, Bibliography & References Cited. Refer to Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide. Bibliography & References Cited is also a required section.
  • e. Rationale and Significance:
    • Concisely present the rationale behind the proposed project. The specific relationship of the project’s objectives to one or more of the FY 2026 OREI priorities should be clear. These purposes and priority areas are described under Part I, B: Purpose and Priorities.
    • Discuss novel or innovative aspects of the proposed project.
  • f. Objectives:
    • List project objectives.
  • g. Approach:
    • Clearly state the activities proposed or problems being addressed. Describe the approaches to be used. Specifically, this section must include:
      • A description of the activities proposed, key personnel and institutional roles in those activities, and the timeline;
      • Methods to be used in carrying out the proposed project, including the feasibility of the methods and why they were selected;
      • Expected results and outcomes, including how the project will contribute to long-term profitability and sustainability of organic agriculture;
      • Means by which these results and outcomes will be analyzed, assessed, or interpreted;
      • How results or products will be used;
      • Outreach plan (if appropriate), including science-based tools disseminated, participants involved in delivery, and how impacts will be measured, including the learning outcomes;
      • Issues that may be encountered;
      • Limitations to proposed procedures; and
      • A full explanation of any materials, procedures, situations, or activities related to the project that may be hazardous to personnel, along with an outline for precautions to be exercised to avoid or mitigate the effects of such hazards. For work with organisms that might be perceived as potentially invasive species, indicate precautions to prevent spread or specific information on the context in which they are being used.
  • h. Project Timeline:
    • Provide a clear timeline of activities and major milestones, using September 1 as the start date for the project.
  • i. Performance Measures
    • Performance measures for OREI are aligned with key indicators of scientific, agricultural, and economic impact. Measures may include, but are not limited to:
      • The number of new organic crop varieties released with improved traits, such as disease resistance, stress tolerance, and high yield;
      • New plant or animal production systems or technologies developed and adopted by the organic industry;
      • The acreage and market share of new technologies nationally and regionally;
      • Additional metrics include stakeholder adoption as indicated by certified organic seed, acreage and commercial production, and grower participation in field days and grower outreach events;
      • The number of students and professionals trained through OREI programs, which serves as a performance indicator for workforce development; and
      • Increased income by organic producers and the broader community.
    • Together, these measures ensure that funded OREI projects are producing high-impact, industry-relevant outcomes, and driving innovation in U.S. organic agriculture production systems while promoting the highest national/regional priorities.
  • h. Field 12, Add Other Attachments. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.
  • R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded): See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for profile requirements, details about the biographical sketch, and suggested support templates.
  • R&R Personal Data: This information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award (see Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide).
  • R&R Budget - Match: If an applicant concludes that the matching requirements described under Part III, B of this NOFO is not applicable to them; the applicant must include an explanation of their conclusion in the budget justification. NIFA will consider this justification when determining final matching requirements or if required matching can be waived. NIFA retains the right to make final determinations regarding matching requirements.
    • Grants that require matching funds as specified under Part III, B of this NOFO must list in their budget justification the matching sources, the identification of the entity(ies) providing the match, and the total pledged amount. A written verification of commitments of matching support (a pledge agreement) is not required. However, applicants are subject to the documentation, valuing and reporting requirements, as specified in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance),” and 7 CFR 3430, “Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-Formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions.”
  • R&R Budget - IDC: See Part IV, C of this NOFO for funding restrictions regarding IDC, and Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.
  • Supplemental Information Form: See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.
  • Field 2 (Program to which the applicant is applying) - Enter the program name OREI and the program code D113A. Accurate entry is critical.
  • Field 8 (Conflict of Interest List) - See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

C. Funding Restrictions

Indirect Cost (IDC) is not to exceed 30 percent of the recipient's Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA).

7 U.S.C. 3310 limits the recovery of IDC for the overall award to 30 percent of the TFFA under a research, education, or extension grant. The maximum allowable IDC amount recoverable under the award, including the IDC charged by the subawardee(s), if any, is the lesser of the following and is determined by calculating the amount of IDC using:

1. the sum of an institution’s negotiated indirect cost rate and the indirect cost rate charged by subawardees, if any; or
2. 30 percent of TFFA.

If the result of number one is the lesser of the two amounts, the grant recipient is allowed to charge the negotiated IDC rate on the prime award and the subaward(s), if any. Any subawards would be subject to the subawardee’s negotiated IDC rate. The subawardee may charge its negotiated IDC rate on its portion of the award, provided the sum of the IDC amount charged under the award by the prime awardee and the subawardee(s) does not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

If the result of number two is the lesser of the two amounts, then the maximum IDC allowed for the overall award, including any subaward(s), is limited to 30 percent of the TFFA. That is, the IDC of the prime awardee plus the sum of the IDC charged by the subawardee(s), if any, may not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

In the event of an award, the prime awardee is responsible for ensuring the maximum indirect cost allowed for the award is not exceeded when combining IDC for the Federal portion (i.e., prime and subawardee(s)) and any applicable cost-sharing. Amounts exceeding the maximum allowable IDC are considered unallowable. See sections 408 and 410 of 2 CFR 200.

If the applicant does not have a negotiated rate and NIFA is the cognizant agency, the applicant may request an IDC rate. Applicants are not required to complete the IDC package during the application process and need only to calculate a rate to serve as a basis for requesting IDC. If awarded, the applicant will be required to submit a complete IDC proposal package to obtain a negotiated rate.

Organizations that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may elect the de minimis rate (2 CFR 200.414(f)). The Uniform Guidance offers the option of electing to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC), which may be used indefinitely. As described above and in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be charged consistently as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double-charged or inconsistently charged as both. If elected, this methodology must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which it may do at any time.

See NIFA Indirect Costs for information including additional resources and NIFA Indirect Cost Guidance Chart.

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA's Evaluation Process

NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, we screen each application to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in this NOFO. All administrative requirements must be met in order for the application to proceed to the next level of review. Second, a scientific peer-review process will be used to technically evaluate applications that have met the administrative requirements using a review panel (see NIFA Peer Review Process).

Scientific Peer Review Process: NIFA selects reviewers for the review panel based upon their training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors:

• The level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities.
• The need to include experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or extension fields.
• The need to include other experts (e.g., agricultural producers, range or forest managers/operators, researchers, educators, evaluators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs.
• The need to include experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, and private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations.
• The need to maintain a balanced composition with regard to the reviewer's area of expertise, geographic area, and entity type, as appropriate.
• The need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness of each application to producers and the general public.

After each peer review panel has completed its deliberations, the responsible program staff of NIFA will recommend that your project is either approved for support from currently available funds or declined due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.

NIFA reserves the right to negotiate with the PD/PI and/or the submitting organization or institution regarding project revisions (e.g., reductions in the scope of work, funding level, period, or method of support) prior to recommending any project for funding.

After the review process has been completed, NIFA sends copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary (if applicable) of the review panel comments to the PD.

Conflicts of Interest: NIFA takes extreme care to prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may influence the review or evaluation (see NIFA Peer Review Process for Competitive Grant Applications).

B. Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria: NIFA will use the following criteria to evaluate and score applications to this funding opportunity.

| Evaluation Criteria #1: Justification of the Workshop