Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative

The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve critical 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, mitigate and adapt to climate change, build resilience of the organic farming system, and protect water and other resources. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. 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 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 to reduce toxins and microbial contamination • 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 to improve animal productivity, health, and welfare while retaining or enhancing economic viability • 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