OREI/ORG: Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative and Organic Transitions

Since 2001 NIFA has provided funding for many projects in organic agriculture research through two key programs: Organic Transitions (ORG) and the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI). Together, the programs have supported 1,115 projects with total funding of over $162 million. In 2016, OREI has $18 million available to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. The ORG program has $3.8 million available 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.