USDA NIFA has announced the FY 2026 Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) funding opportunity. This program supports projects that address key challenges in U.S. organic agriculture through the combined efforts of research, education, and extension/outreach.
The OREI program has three NOFOs open. Please note that OREI is one of the first pilot programs in NIFA's Grants Modernization Initiative (GMI) and will follow slightly different submission procedures than prior USDA NIFA proposals.
OREI Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components
OREI aims to strengthen the capacity of producers and processors who already operate under organic standards to grow and market high-quality organic agricultural products, while increasing the resilience and sustainability of farming systems. OREI Research Projects are designed to support efforts that connect scientific research with practical education and outreach activities to deliver actionable knowledge to organic producers, processors, and agricultural professionals. Under this program, projects must be structured as integrated efforts that include research and at least one additional component—education and/or extension/outreach.
Program Priorities
OREI supports projects that address critical challenges facing organic agriculture. Priority areas include:
- Advanced on-farm research and innovation for organic crop, livestock, and integrated production systems
- Development of tools and resources for extension professionals advising organic producers
- Post-harvest handling, processing, and food safety practices that improve product quality and shelf life
- Organic crop propagation and breeding, including seed systems and improved varieties adapted to organic conditions
- Integrated pest, disease, nematode, and weed management systems compatible with organic standards
- Organic livestock production, health, and management systems that improve productivity and animal welfare
- Breeding and selection of livestock genotypes adapted to organic production environments
Projects are expected to actively engage organic producers and stakeholders in project design, implementation, and evaluation, and to generate practical outcomes that improve farm profitability, sustainability, and organic system management.
Key Details & Dates
- Application deadline: May 14, 2026 (5:00 PM ET)
- Project duration: 36–48 months
- Award range: $50,000 – $3,500,000
- Match requirement: 100% non-federal match required (waiver possible)
NIFA has also released related Planning and Workshop OREI opportunities.
- Planning Projects for Assistance in Development of Future OREI Proposals Requiring Multiregional or Regional Coordination USDA-NIFA-D113A-32357 (up to $50,000)
- OREI Workshop Projects USDA-NIFA-D113A-32483 (up to $75,000).
For more information, please review the full OREI Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).