The National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Program is investing more than $50.5 million in 30 organic agriculture projects.
The projects are part of the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative and the Organic Transitions Program, according to a USDA announcement. OREI funds research, education and extension projects to improve yields, quality and profitability for producers and processors who have adopted organic standards.
The NIFA-funded Organic Transitions Program focuses on research, education and extension efforts to help existing and transitioning organic livestock and crop producers adopt organic practices and improve their market competitiveness, the USDA said.
“Organic agriculture plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable and healthy food systems that benefit people and the planet,” USDA NIFA Director Manjit Misra said in a news release. “NIFA’s investments in organic research and Extension programs help ensure farmers can meet growing demand for organic products, which provide valuable economic opportunities for growers and more choices for consumers.”
One example of the 23 projects funded by NIFA’s OREI grants is The Organic Center for Education and Promotion. The USDA said there is a critical lack of racial diversity across the agricultural sector and the organic industry, especially apparent in the population of organic certifiers, organic inspectors, and in organizations and university staff who provide much of the nation’s technical assistance and educational programming in agriculture.
The $705,000 workforce development project focuses on jumpstarting participation and motivation for a diverse representation in future organic leadership that helps make the organic sector more inclusive, equitable and just, the USDA said.
An example of the seven projects funded under NIFA’s Organic Transitions Program includes a $1 million investment in Michigan State University research on organic tree fruit production.
“Organic tree fruit production east of the Mississippi River will not be sustainable without effective management of bacterial diseases including fire blight, bacterial canker and bacterial spot,” the USDA said. “Bacteriophages (phages) represent a promising tool for managing bacterial plant diseases; however, phages have not been commercially developed mainly due to reduced and inconsistent efficacy. Scientists will investigate the phage-disease dynamics on apple and cherry flowers for fire blight on apple trees and bacterial canker on cherry trees.”
