Description
The Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions aims to support the development and implementation of research, extension, and higher education programs to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers. The program prioritizes environmental services provided by organic farming systems, such as soil conservation, pollinator health, and climate change mitigation. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities, and research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities.
• The program will fund standard Integrated Research, Education, and Extension projects with a project period of 1 to 3 years.
• Budgets may not exceed $200,000 per year, with a total amount awarded not to exceed $500,000.
• The program encourages applicants to develop partnerships with small- or mid-sized accredited colleges and universities, 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) engaged in organic agriculture research, education, and outreach.
• Applications are expected to contain descriptions of stakeholder involvement in the research process and to utilize a systems approach.
• Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers, students, or their information providers.