Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI)

The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve critical organic agriculture 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. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. Some of the key areas of focus include: * Conducting advanced on-farm crop, livestock, or integrated livestock-crop research and development * Developing and demonstrating educational tools for Cooperative 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, including seed and transplant production and protection, and plant breeding for organic production conditions * Exploring technologies that meet the requirements of the National Organic Program (NOP) and protect soil, water, and other natural resources * 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 * Developing undergraduate and/or graduate curriculum for organic agriculture * Identifying marketing, policy, and other socioeconomic barriers to the expansion of organic agriculture in the United States and developing strategies to address them. The OREI program encourages use of multiple extension delivery methods, including face-to-face meetings and tours, farmer-to-farmer mentoring, print publications, and social media.