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NIFA supports research, educational, and extension efforts in a wide range of scientific fields related to agricultural and behavioral sciences.

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    Check out this five-day workshop in March 2024 workshop, designed to help you learn about NIFA grants and resources for grants development and management.

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    Organic AgricultureSharePrint Friendly Email Twitter Facebook
    
    Farming and Ranching
      Agricultural Safety
          Agricultural Systems
          Agriculture Technology
          Farmer Education
          Organic Agriculture
          Small and Family Farms
          Sustainable AgricultureOrganic farmers, ranchers, and food processors use agricultural methods intended to preserve the environment. USDA organic regulations restrict the use of certain conventional tools such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Importance of Organic Agriculture

The organic industry is one of the fastest growing agricultural segments in the United States. Organic farming yields such vital benefits as preservation of soil’s organic composition.

Organic farmers utilize practices that:

Maintain and improve fertility, soil structure and biodiversity, and reduce erosion
	Reduce the risks of human, animal, and environmental exposure to toxic materials
	Fine-tune farming practices to meet local production conditions and satisfy local marketsNIFA’s Impact

NIFA programs advance the field of organic agriculture by encouraging work that includes:

Facilitating development of organic agriculture production, breeding, and processing methods
	Evaluating potential economic benefits to producers and processors
	Exploring international trade opportunities for organically grown and processed products
	Determining desirable traits for organic commodities
	Identifying marketing and policy constraints on the expansion of organic agriculture
	Conducting on-farm research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for working organic farms
	Developing new and improved seed varieties suited for organic agriculture
	Developing  educational tools for agricultural professionals who advise producers on organic practices
	Facilitating the transition from conventional to organic agricultural practicesRead more about NIFA's Organic Agriculture Program.

  Programs
    Equipment Grants Program (EGP)
              Organic Agriculture Program
              Weed Science
              Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agriculture
              From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals (NextGen)

  Funding Opportunities
    Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems
              Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative
              Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions
              Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development
              Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) (Joint NSF) Competitive Grants Program
              Research Facilities Act Program Return to top
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