Organic Transitions Program

Post Date

May 24th 2011

Application Due Date

June 30th 2011

Funding Opportunity Number

USDA-NIFA-ICGP-003448

CFDA Number(s)

10.303

Funding Instrument Type(s)

Grant

Funding Activity Categories

Agriculture
Environment
Natural Resources

Number of Awards

6

Eligibility Categories

Public and State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
Private Institutions of Higher Education
Other

Colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3103) are eligible to submit applications to the ORG program. Section 1404 of NARETPA was amended by section 7101 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246) to define Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs) (see Part III, B. and 7 CFR 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Financial Assistance Programs--General Award Administrative Provisions for more information), and to include research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities. For the purposes of this program, the terms "college" and "university" mean an educational institution in any state which (1) admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate; (2) is legally authorized within such state to provide a program of education beyond secondary education; (3) provides an educational program for which a bachelor's degree or any other higher degree is awarded; (4) is a public or other nonprofit institution; and (5) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association. Applications also may be submitted by 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (defined in 7 CFR 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Grant Programs--General Grant Administrative Provisions, HSACUs, and research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities.

Funding

• Estimated Total Funding:

  $3750000

• Award Range:

  $0 - $750000

Grant Description

The overall goal of the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) 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 2011, ORG will focus on environmental services provided by organic farming systems that support soil conservation and contribute to climate change mitigation. Practices and systems to be addressed include those associated with organic crops, organic animal production (including dairy), and organic systems integrating plant and animal production.

Contact Information

• Agency

  Department of Agriculture

• Office:

  National Institute of Food and Agriculture

• Agency Contact:

  NIFA Help Desk
  Phone: 202-401-5048
  Business hours are M-F, 7:00 am -5:00 pm ET, excluding Federal holidays
  

• Agency Mailing Address:

  If you have any questions related to preparing application content

• Agency Email Address:

  electronic@nifa.usda.gov

• More Information:

  Organic Transitions Program