USDA OREI Workshop Projects (USDA-NIFA-D113A-32483)

The USDA OREI Workshop Projects funding opportunity supports smaller-scale, targeted efforts that address priority challenges in U.S. organic agriculture through coordinated research, education, and extension or outreach activities. Administered by USDA NIFA, this program focuses on workshops and knowledge-sharing efforts that strengthen the ability of organic producers and processors to improve production, market outcomes, and system resilience.

Program Overview

The OREI Workshop Projects track is designed to support focused, lower-cost initiatives that facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange, and applied problem-solving in organic agriculture. While smaller in scale than integrated research projects, these efforts are intended to address meaningful production and market challenges through coordinated engagement across stakeholders.

Projects should align with USDA priorities, including improving farm profitability, expanding markets for U.S. agricultural products, protecting agricultural systems from invasive species, promoting soil health, and improving human health through food quality and nutrition.

Supported Activities

Supported activities may include:

• Workshops and convenings focused on organic agriculture challenges
• Knowledge-sharing events connecting producers, researchers, and practitioners
• Educational programming tied to organic production or market development
• Extension or outreach efforts that support adoption of best practices
• Collaborative activities addressing USDA priority areas such as soil health and market expansion

Cost Share or Payment Structure

This funding opportunity requires 100 percent matching contributions for all federal funds awarded. Given the relatively small award sizes, applicants should carefully evaluate how match will be structured and documented without overcomplicating project delivery.

Eligible Applicants

• State Agricultural Experiment Stations
• Colleges and universities
• University research foundations
• Research institutions and organizations
• Federal agencies and national laboratories
• Private organizations, foundations, or corporations
• Individuals who are U.S. citizens or nationals

Application Timing

Application Deadline: May 14, 2026

Letter of Intent: Not required

Official Program Link

USDA NIFA OREI Program Page

Advisory Perspective

Workshop-focused opportunities often favor proposals that demonstrate clear value to participants and a practical pathway for applying knowledge gained. Strong submissions typically define a specific problem, identify the right stakeholders to convene, and outline how outcomes will translate into improved practices or decision-making.

Questions We Commonly Address

• What constitutes a competitive workshop format under this program?
• How should matching contributions be structured for smaller awards?
• What level of participant engagement is expected?
• How should outcomes and impact be documented?