Description
The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to fund high-priority integrated projects that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high-quality organic agricultural products and increase resilience in American farming systems. The purpose of this program is to solve U.S. organic agricultural issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities. Key areas of focus include advanced on-farm research and development, marketing and policy constraints, optimal conservation and soil health outcomes, and developing new and improved seed varieties suited for organic agriculture.
• Advanced on-farm crop, livestock, or integrated livestock-crop research and development
• Development of tools for extension personnel and other professionals advising producers on organic practices
• Evaluation, development, and improvement of allowable post-harvest handling, processing, and food safety practices
• Strengthening organic crop propagation systems and plant breeding for organic production conditions
• Exploration of technologies meeting National Organic Program (NOP) requirements
• Development or improvement of systems-based animal production, animal health, and pest management practices
• Breeding, evaluation, and selection of animal breeds and genotypes adapted to organic systems