Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program Organic Transitions

The Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This federal program is authorized under the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 and is designed to support integrated projects that combine research, education, and extension activities. The program reflects USDA priorities focused on strengthening U.S. agriculture, improving farmer profitability, protecting natural resources, and advancing innovation. It specifically targets challenges within organic agriculture and aims to ensure that research outcomes are relevant, practical, and accessible to producers. The primary purpose of the Organic Transitions program is to improve the competitiveness of U.S. organic crop and livestock producers, as well as those transitioning to organic systems. Projects are expected to address key issues such as soil health, pest and disease management, production system optimization, and the development of alternatives to prohibited substances under the National Organic Program. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes and requires applicants to demonstrate how their work will generate meaningful impacts for organic stakeholders. Projects must also integrate stakeholder input throughout the lifecycle, from planning through evaluation, ensuring that outcomes are grounded in real-world agricultural needs. Funding under this program supports integrated projects that combine at minimum research and one additional function, either education or extension. Projects must include strong evaluation plans, data management strategies, and dissemination approaches to ensure results reach intended audiences. All fieldwork involving organic practices must occur on USDA-certified organic land or facilities, with limited exceptions under specific conditions. The program encourages scalable, cost-effective technologies and partnerships with a range of institutions, including smaller colleges, universities, and non-governmental organizations. Applicants are required to provide matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis for federal funds received, although waivers may be granted in limited circumstances such as projects with broad applicability or those addressing minor commodities. Funding is provided through standard grants with project durations ranging from 24 to 48 months. Budgets may not exceed $400,000 per year, with a total cap of $1,000,000 per project. Indirect costs are limited to 30 percent of total federal funds awarded. Funds may be used for research, personnel, outreach, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement activities, but may not be used for lobbying or advocacy. Eligibility is restricted to colleges and universities as defined by federal statute, including 1994 institutions and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities. Eligible applicants may subcontract with other organizations if necessary for project implementation. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants are required to follow detailed submission guidelines outlined in the NIFA Grants Application Guide. Required components include a project summary, project narrative, data management plan, budget justification, and supporting documentation. Applications are evaluated through a two-step process consisting of administrative screening followed by scientific peer review. Evaluation criteria include technical merit, integration of project components, relevance to organic agriculture priorities, stakeholder engagement, feasibility of methodology, qualifications of project personnel, and the likelihood of producing impactful and transferable results. The program also prioritizes applications that demonstrate strong partnerships and stakeholder involvement, as well as those that align closely with USDA research priorities. The application deadline for the current funding cycle is July 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be issued within the same federal fiscal year, with project start dates no later than September 30. The program is recurring annually, and applicants may submit new or resubmitted applications. For questions, applicants may contact program staff via OrganicPrograms@usda.gov or grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov. Additional support is available through Grants.gov for technical assistance during the application process.

Ensure strong integration of research education and extension; demonstrate clear stakeholder involvement; align closely with organic agriculture priorities; include measurable outcomes and evaluation metrics