Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions
Can you apply?
This grant is for colleges, universities, and Hispanic-serving agricultural institutions developing research and education programs on organic agriculture.
Eligible applicants include land-grant universities, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, 1994 Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities as defined in federal law.
The program supports research, extension, and higher education projects that improve competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers. Eligible organizations may subcontract to other entities if necessary and approved by NIFA.
Geographic scope is national. International applicants are not eligible.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Program description
The overall goal of the ORG program, under assistance listing 10.303 is to support the development and implementation of research, extension, and higher education programs that improve the competitiveness of U.S. organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those adopting organic practices.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 R&R (Research and Related Activities)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Curriculum Vitae of key personnel
- Letters of institutional support and cost-share commitment
- Letters of support from partners or industry stakeholders
Program contact
- 👤 Adam Hoque Grantor
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 407-747-9786
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.303 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$3,500,000
-
$3,500,000
-
$3,499,999
-
$3,499,991
-
$3,493,549
-
$3,300,000
-
$2,857,283
-
$2,000,000
-
$1,999,997
-
$1,999,958
Top States by Funding
- PA 15 awards $11.6M
- TN 7 awards $8.7M
- IN 7 awards $7.5M
- FL 5 awards $5.4M
- SC 6 awards $5.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.303). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $11,213,184 | |
| 2025 | $11,006,430 | |
| 2026 est. | $10,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Land-grant colleges, non-land-grant universities, 1994 Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities. Subcontractors may include ineligible organizations if necessary for project success.
What types of projects does this grant fund?
Research, extension, and higher education programs focused on organic crop and livestock production. Projects must improve competitiveness of organic or transitioning producers.
Is there a fixed deadline?
Yes. The deadline is July 13, 2026. Check NIFA's website for potential future funding cycles and exact deadlines.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $20,000 to $1,000,000. Larger awards are competitive and require strong justification.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. Your institution must contribute funds or in-kind resources to match a portion of the federal award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project with USDA's organic agriculture priorities. Show how it addresses documented producer needs or market challenges.
- Partner with multiple institutions if possible. Collaborative multi-disciplinary teams are stronger than single-institution proposals.
- Clearly separate research, extension, and education components. Explain how each component supports the others and serves your target audience.
- Document your cost-share commitment early. Include letters from your institution confirming budget contributions and in-kind support.
- Review past funded projects on NIFA's website. Successful applications typically balance basic research with practical producer benefits.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Unclear connection between proposed research and organic producer competitiveness. Weak or unrealistic cost-sharing commitments from partner institutions. Failure to distinguish how research findings will be communicated to farmers through extension programs.
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