The goal of the ORG program is to support the development and implementation of research, extension, and higher education programs to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those who are adopting organic practices.In FY 2017, ORG anticipates funding 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 the total amount awarded not to exceed $500,00 0. NIFA expects to make a total of seven to eight awards.Practices and systems to be addressed include those associated with organic crops, organic animal production (including dairy), and organic systems that integrate plant and animal production.Applications are expected to contain descriptions of stakeholder involvement in problem identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to assemble project teams that include those with expertise in research, education, extension, and evaluation and to utilize a systems approach.
Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers, students, or their information providers, such as extension agents/educators, agricultural consultants, or college teaching faculty.