The deadline for proposals is March 9, 2009. Now is the time to roll up your sleeves, sharpen your pencils, and prepare your organic research and extension proposals!

It is crucial that the organic research community demonstrate the necessity of this funding by responding with a flood of high-quality proposals submitted from every part of the U.S. OREI is the rare federal grant program that specifically funds organic research and extension.

If not enough proposals are submitted, it is possible that funding could be cut in future years. CSREES anticipates that approximately $17.3 million will be available to fund OREI projects in fiscal year 2009.

Only 12 projects were funded in 2007 with the $4.7 million available in the Integrated Organic Program. This means that at least 50 fundable proposals are needed in the current funding cycle.

Here are some highlights of the Request for Application. The full RFA may be read online at

http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/organicagricultureresearchandextensioninitiative.cfm

The purpose of OREI is to fund research and extension 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.

CSREES expects that applicants will consult with organic producers and/or processors before developing project applications.

Producers and/or processors should play an important role in developing project goals and objectives; in implementing the experimental or extension plan; and in evaluating and disseminating project results and outcomes.

There is an expectation that a local and/or regional advisory panel will inform the project throughout its life, including the identification and prioritization of research and extension objectives.

Project Types:

1.      Integrated Project Proposals

2.      Conference Proposals
3.      Research and Extension Planning Proposals.

There is a cost share requirement that may be waived under certain conditions.
Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov.

This is a Special Edition in a series of occasional bulletins providing selected information on organic research programs, positions, funding, and reports, as well as news about SCOAR itself. Original items may be reproduced with attribution to OFRF.

These reports are sent via email to registered SCOAR participants. For previous bulletins, registration and other information about SCOAR, see http://ofrf.org/networks/scoar.html

Your feedback is welcomed. Send comments to jane@ofrf.org
 

Organic Farming Research Foundation, 303 Potrero St. #29-203, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
tel. 831-426-6606, scoar@ofrf.org, ofrf.org.