Description
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. The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve U.S. organic agricultural issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities.
Some key areas of focus for this initiative include:
* Conducting advanced on-farm research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for working organic farms
* Developing tools for extension personnel and other professionals who advise producers on organic practices
* Evaluating, developing, and improving allowable post-harvest handling, processing, and food safety practices
* Strengthening organic crop propagation systems
* Exploring technologies that meet the requirements of the National Organic Program (NOP)
* Developing or improving systems-based animal production, animal health, and pest management practices
* Breeding, evaluating, and selecting animal breeds and genotypes adapted to organic systems.