Organic Research & Extension Initiative (OREI)

Program Basics
The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) funds research, education, and extension projects that enhance the ability of producers and processors to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products.

Several legislatively defined purposes have guided grant making under the program since it was first established in 2002. In 2009 these purposes are:

1. Facilitating the development of organic agriculture production, breeding, and processing methods;
2. Evaluating the potential economic benefits to producers and processors who use organic methods;
3. Exploring international trade opportunities for organically grown and processed agricultural commodities;
4. Determining desirable traits for organic commodities;
5. Identifying marketing and policy constraints on the expansion of organic agriculture;
6. Conducting advanced on-farm research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for working organic farms, including research relating to production and marketing and to socioeconomic conditions;
7. Examining optimal conservation and environmental outcomes relating to organically produced agricultural products, and
8. Developing new and improved seed varieties that are particularly suited for organic agriculture.

Project Examples
In 2008, Washington State University was awarded $644,232 to improve the agronomic and economic competitiveness of fresh market organic farms by developing integrated, systems-based solutions to their most significant soil and weed problems.

In 2007, the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service was awarded $50,000 to make organic research accessible to farmers through a Midwest Organic Research Symposium.

Application and Financial Information
The program is administered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Fieldwork of proposed projects must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives. OREI is funded by the 2008 Farm Bill at $20 million annually.

Eligibility, Uses and Restrictions
State agricultural experiment stations, all colleges and universities, other research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations, corporations, and individuals are eligible to apply to receive these grants.

Website
www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/organicagricultureresearchandextensioninitiative.cfm

Contact Information
Tom Bewick, NIFA National Program Leader - Horticulture
E-mail: tbewick@nifa.usda.gov
Phone: (202) 401-3356.