The 2013 Request for Applications for the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program - Organic Transitions (ORG) has been released by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA).  Letters of Intent are due March 1, 2013; full proposals are due April 5, 2013.

ORG supports research, Extension, and higher education programs that improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those who are adopting organic practices.

ORG prioritizes environmental services provided by organic farming systems and two new priorities that support the development of: (1) the educational tools for Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals who advise producers on organic practices, and (2) cultural practices and other allowable alternatives to substances recommended for removal from the National Organic Program’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

ORG addresses practices and systems associated with organic crops, organic animal production (including dairy), and organic systems that integrate plant and animal production.

Visit the NIFA Funding Opportunity Page for links to the RFA, the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide, application package, and abstracts of funded projects.