USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded 30 grants to enhance the ability of organic producers and processors to grow and market organic agricultural products. More than $18 million was awarded through the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative. USDA research increasingly focuses on science that supports development of sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry, including farming.
An additional $4 million was awarded through the Organic Transitions Program. This year the program focused on environmental services provided by organic farming systems that support soil conservation and contribute to climate change mitigation. Practices and systems addressed include those associated with organic crops, organic animal production and organic systems that integrate plant and animal production.