The OREI seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities.

The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic

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standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products.

Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics.

The OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research, education and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning by delivering practical research-based information.

Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers.

Fieldwork must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives.

Refer to the USDA National Organic Program (http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop) for organic production standards.

Visit the NIFA website to access a factsheet on the Center of Excellence (COE) designation process, including COE criteria, and a list of programs offering COE opportunities in fiscal year 201 6. You can also review a recording of COE outreach webinars held in February and March of 2015 from the site.

The COE webpages will be updated throughout FY 2016 with additional information, such as a summary of comments received from stakeholders.