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.

USDA-NIFA-D113A-32481: Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components

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 Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Initial Announcement

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

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-D113A-32481

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.307

FUNDING DETAILS (ANTICIPATED):

• Available Funding: $65,000,000
• Award Range: $50,000 - $3,500,000
• Number of Awards: 26

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 research 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 monitor 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 projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions.

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-32483: Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Workshop Projects
• 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

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: Standard Grants
• AWARD DURATION: 36 - 48 Months
• MINIMUM AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
• MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNT: $3,500,000

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 Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components component of OREI has approximately $65,000,000 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

The following describes the types of projects or grants that are eligible for funding:

Integrated Project Proposals: Integrated project proposals must include research and at least one additional element of the other two functions of the agricultural knowledge system (education and extension/outreach). Awards will be made as grants. To accommodate projects differing in scope, three types of integrated project proposals are offered. However, projects with similar content and same investigators may not be submitted to more than one project category.

• Tier 1 Proposals: Proposals addressing program priorities with a maximum award amount of $3,500,000. These are large, coordinated projects addressing critical issues that cut across multiple regions. An advisory panel is strongly recommended for Tier 1 proposals.
• Tier 2 Proposals: Proposals addressing program priorities with a maximum award amount of $2,000,000. These are multidisciplinary projects addressing issues that may be either national or regional.
• Tier 3 Proposals: Proposals addressing specific critical constraints with a maximum award amount of $1,000,000, reflecting the possibly narrower scope or locality-specific nature of these projects.

Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 proposals:

• will be reviewed together with no amount set aside for any of the proposal types but taking into account the cost efficiency and relative scope of each project type to avoid bias toward large projects; and
• must include a data management plan that clearly describes how the data will be disseminated and accessible to the public.

For both Tier 1 and Tier 2 proposals, a project management plan and a logic model are strongly recommended and will not count against the 21-page limit of the Project Narrative. The main intent of large awards is to foster collaboration between States and avoid duplication of efforts. Therefore, Tier 1 proposals with a budget of up to approximately $3,500,000 are expected to tackle major issues identified by stakeholders and bring the community of needed participants together to address the problems. Tier 1 proposals must be multi-institution and multistate.

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.

Pursuant to Section 7214 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5926), NIFA will recognize and prioritize COE applicants that carry out research, extension, and education activities that relate to the food and agricultural sciences. A COE is composed of one or more of the following entities that provide financial or in-kind support to the COE. A full explanation, including the process for requesting Center of Excellence designation can be found here: Centers of Excellence (COE) or in Part IV, B of this RFA.

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
9. Any group consisting of two or more of the entities described in (1) through (8)

A full explanation, including the process for requesting Center of Excellence designation, can be found here: Centers of Excellence (COE) or in Part IV, B of this RFA.

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-32481, 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 outlines key instructions for applicants.

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 21 pages of written text including figures and tables for Integrated 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 21-page limit of the PN.
  • b. Executive summary and table of contents: The executive summary and table of contents do not count against the 21-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 21-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.
  • j. Centers of Excellence Justification: Only Integrated Project Proposal applicants may be considered for Centers of Excellence (COE) designation. For consideration as a COE, you must provide a brief justification statement, as part of your Project Narrative and within the page limits provided, which describes how you meet the standards of a COE based on the following criteria:
    • The ability of the COE to ensure coordination and cost-effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts in the research, teaching, and Extension/outreach activities outlined in this application;
    • In addition to any applicable matching requirements, the ability of the COE to leverage available resources by using public-private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the Federal Government in the proposed research and/or Extension/outreach activities outlined in this application. Resources leveraged should be commensurate with the size of the award;
    • The planned scope and capability of the COE to implement teaching initiatives that increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through Extension/outreach activities of the proposed research and/or Extension/outreach activity outlined in this application; and
    • The ability or capacity of the COE to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues in support of and as a result of the implementation of the proposed research and/or Extension/outreach activity outlined in this application.
    • Additionally, where practicable (not required), COE applicants should describe proposed efforts to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including Land-grant Colleges and Universities, cooperating forestry schools, and certified non-land-grant colleges of agriculture (NLGCA).
  • k. 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 #1 (Maximum Points: 20)

• Project is directed to current and likely future problems/challenges in organic agriculture and adequately addresses at least one of the OREI priorities referenced in Part I, B; and
• Proposed research fills knowledge gaps that are critical to the development of practices and programs to address the stated problem or issue.

Evaluation Criteria #2 (Maximum Points: 20)

• Stakeholder input is incorporated into all aspects of the project including development, implementation, and evaluation and information on how stakeholders were selected (or identified) and how their input was solicited is provided; and
• Local and/or regional advisory panel will inform the program (especially Tier 1 proposals) throughout its life.

Evaluation Criteria #3 (Maximum Points: 40)

• Conceptual Adequacy
  • Objectives are clearly stated and how they will be achieved within the time frame, scope, and budget of the proposed project; and
  • The extent to which project objectives and outcomes are clearly described, adequate, and appropriate. All project components (i.e., research, education, extension/outreach) are reflected in one or more project objectives.
• Approach
  • The proposed method and approach are appropriate to project objectives;
  • Proposed approach, procedures, or methodologies are innovative, original, clearly described, suitable, and feasible;
  • Project components (research, education, and/or extension/outreach) are fully integrated and necessary to address the problem or issue;
  • Performance measures are aligned with those listed in the NOFO, are appropriate for the project, and the proposed project has a high likelihood of success. Expected results or outcomes are clearly stated, measurable, and achievable within the allotted time frame; and
  • Potential pitfalls are identified and addressed.

Evaluation Criteria #4 (Maximum Points: 10)

• Outreach plan includes deliverables and a description of the learning outcome metrics for training and educational activities and of how impacts will be measured;
• Importance of the commodity, production system, or importance of constraints (marketing/yield/pest/other) and resulting impacts on the production system. Potential for project to make a difference;
• Potential for project to contribute to long-term profitability and sustainability of organic production or marketing systems. For extension/outreach or education (teaching) activities, curricula and related products will sustain education or extension/outreach functions beyond the life of the project. Proposed education (teaching) has an impact upon and advances the quality of food and agricultural sciences by strengthening institutional capacities and curricula to meet clearly delineated needs and train the next generation of scientists and educators;
• Proposed extension/outreach leads to measurable and documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group; and
• The extent to which the plan and methods for evaluating success of project activities and documenting potential impact against measurable short and midterm outcomes are suitable and feasible.

Evaluation Criteria #5 (Maximum Points: 10)

• Qualifications of Project Personnel
  • Involvement of appropriate and relevant expertise; and
  • Key personnel have sufficient expertise to complete the proposed project, and where appropriate, partnerships with other disciplines (e.g., economics) and institutions are established.
• Project Management
  • A clear plan is articulated for project management, including time allocated for attainment of objectives and delivery of products, maintenance of partnerships and collaborations, and a strategy to enhance communication, data sharing, and reporting among members of the project team; and
  • Roles of key personnel are clearly defined.
• Adequacy of Facilities
  • Evidence of institutional capacity and competence in the proposed area of work is provided; and
  • Support personnel, facilities, and instrumentation are sufficient.

C. Organizational Management Information

Applicants must submit specific management information prior to an award and update the information as needed. Applicants may only need to provide an update if there was a change in previously provided information under this or another NIFA program. NIFA provides the requisite forms during the pre-award process. Although an applicant may be eligible for award under this program, there are factors that may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual, or a determination that an applicant is not responsible).

D. Application Disposition

Applicants may withdraw at any time before NIFA makes a final funding decision. NIFA will retain all applications, including withdrawn applications and unfunded applications.

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General

Within the limit of funds authorized, the NIFA awarding official will make grants to responsible and eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this NOFO. The date specified by the NIFA awarding official as the effective date of the grant must be no later than September 30 of the federal fiscal year in which the project is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, unless otherwise permitted by law. The project need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded project period. All funds granted by NIFA under this NOFO may be used only for the purpose for which they are granted in accordance with the approved application and budget, regulations, terms and conditions of the award, applicable federal cost principles, USDA assistance regulations, and NIFA General Awards Administration Provisions, 7 CFR Part 3430, subparts A through E.

Award Notice: The award document will provide pertinent instructions and information as described in 2 CFR 200.211 (see NIFA’s Terms and Conditions).

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Several federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications and the projects outlined in this NOFO (some are listed here: Federal Regulations). Unless specifically noted by statute or award-specific requirements, NIFA Federal Assistance Policy Guide applies to all NIFA awards.

C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

Output and reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions. If there are any program or award-specific award terms, they will be identified in the Award Notice.

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget

Delegation of fiscal responsibility: Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise, awardees may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or expenditure of award funds.

Changes in Budget or Project Plans: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.308, awardees must request prior approval from NIFA for the following program or budget-related reasons (the awardee is subject to the terms and conditions identified in the award):

• Change in the scope or the objective of the project or program without prior written approval (even if there is no associated budget revision required);
• Change in a key person specified in the application or the federal award;
• Disengagement from the project for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project;
• Inclusion of costs that require prior approval in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E (Cost Principles), or 2 CFR Part 300 Appendix IX, or 48 CFR, unless waived by the Federal awarding agency, 48 CFR Part 31, Contract Cost Principles and Procedures;
• Transfer of funds budgeted for participant support costs to other categories of expense (2 CFR 200.456 Participant support costs);
• Subawarding, transferring or contracting out of any work under a federal award, including fixed amount subawards (see 2 CFR 200.333, Fixed Amount Subawards), unless described in the application and funded in the approved federal awards. This provision does not apply to the acquisition of supplies, material, equipment, or general support services;
• Changes in the approved cost-sharing or matching provided by the non-federal entity;
• The need for additional federal funds to complete the project;
• Salary rates of pay exceeding an Executive Level IV salary range (see “Rates of Pay for the Executive Schedule” under the “Executive & Senior Level Employee Pay Tables” at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/) require prior NIFA approval. This rate does not include any fringe benefits, general and administrative (G&A), overhead, or other expenses. Requests for approval must include the salary rate of pay and a justification for the rate and be sent to the Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) to awards@usda.gov;
• No more than 50 percent of the total dollars of this award may be subcontracted to another party(ies) without prior written approval of the ADO, except subcontracts to Federal agencies.
• Transferring funds between the construction and non-construction work under a Federal award; and
• A no-cost extension (meaning, an extension of time that does not require the obligation of additional Federal funds) of the period of performance, other than any one-time extension authorized by the Federal agency in accordance with paragraph 2 CFR 200.308(g)(2). All requests for no-cost extensions should be submitted at least 10 calendar days before the conclusion of the period of performance. The Federal agency may approve multiple no-cost extensions under a Federal award if not prohibited by Federal statute or regulation.

B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards

When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of NIFA transaction records, which are available to the public. Information that the Secretary of Agriculture determines to be confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, applicants should clearly mark any information within the application they wish to be considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary. NIFA will retain a copy of an application that does not result in an award for three years. Such an application will be released only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by law. An applicant may withdraw at any time prior to the final action thereon.

C. Regulatory Information

This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with state and local officials. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the collection of information requirements contained in this notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.

D. Language Access Services

NIFA offers language access services, such as interpretation and translation of vital information, free of charge. If you need interpretation or translation services, please visit NIFA Language Access Services.

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

Program Contacts: For programmatic questions, please contact: OrganicPrograms@usda.gov

Administrative Contact: For administrative questions related to:

• Grants.gov, see Part IV of this NOFO.
• Other NOFO or application questions, please email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov.
• Awards under this NOFO, please email awards@usda.gov.

U.S. Postal Mailing Address: National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 419205, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-6205

Courier/Package Delivery Address: National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture 2312 East Bannister Road, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-3061

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

• Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – AFRI
• Assistance Listing Number – ALN
• Authorized Departmental Officer – ADO
• Authorized Representative – AR
• Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 – AREERA
• Coordinated Agricultural Project – CAP
• Centers of Excellence – COE
• Data Management Plan – DMP
• Indirect Cost – IDC
• Mentoring Plan – MP
• National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board – NAREEEAB
• National Institute of Food and Agriculture – NIFA
• National Organic Program – NOP
• National Organic Standards Board – NOSB
• Non-Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture – NLGCA
• Notice of Funding Opportunity - NOFO
• Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative – OREI
• Organic Transitions – ORG
• Principal Investigator – PI
• Project Director – PD
• Project Narrative – PN
• Project Summary – PS
• Research, Education, and Economics – REE
• United States Department of Agriculture – USDA

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

(Refer to 7 CFR 3430 Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions for additional definitions)

• Matching: The process through which a grant recipient matches awarded USDA funds with cash and in-kind contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The matching funds must derive from non-Federal sources.
• New Application: An application not previously submitted to a program.
• Resubmitted Application: A project application that was previously submitted to a program, but the application was not funded.