Program Description
The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is announcing the Organic Training for Agricultural Professionals Prize and is inviting applications from organizations that have proven extraordinary contributions to training farming community groups, farmer-leaders, and agricultural professionals in organic agronomic, certification and record-keeping, and profitability guidance.
View the Full RFA to Apply
Important Dates
Pre-Application Open: April 17, 2023
Pre-Applications Due: June 1, 2023 5:00pm ET
NOTE: An approved pre-application with an invitation to submit a full application is required for submission.
Full Application Invitation: July 6, 2023
Full Applications Due: August 15, 2023 5:00pm ET
Award Notification: Fall 2023
Award Amount
A Prize between $25,000 to $100,000 will be awarded to up to six (6) applicants each year showing the greatest success in past and future ability to train agronomic groups and professionals in organic practices. Successful applicants will receive one payment disbursement for activities to be completed within one year.
Matching Requirements
All grants require matching contributions equal to or greater than the funding request. Matching funds must come from a non-US Federal entity. Excess match will not influence the potential success of an application.
Program Priorities
The Organic Center and FFAR seek applicants that have used an innovative approach to delivering content and have demonstrated impacts in improving education and extension to organic farmers. Applications that address the following will receive preference:
- Has a record of accomplishment in contributing to training farming community groups, farmer-leaders, and agricultural professionals in organic agronomic, certification and record-keeping, and profitability guidance.
- Contributes to the goal of increasing organic agriculture, and aiding organic farmers and farmers interested in transitioning to organic.
- Is dedicated to farmer accessibility to agronomic professionals that are trained in organic production.
- Demonstrates partnerships with different sectors (private, non-government organizations (NGO), governments, academia and other stakeholders) such that programs may be scalable and applicable across agricultural regions.
- Engages organic farmers in the development, governance, oversight, and/or evaluation of educational and training programs.
- Is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their internal policies and farmer/trainer audiences.
- Has a strong history of serving under-represented farmers, and demonstrates a critical lens in exploring systemic barriers.
- Increases tools for and success of organic dairy farmers, particularly in the Northeastern Region of the U.S.
Eligibility
The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research welcomes applications from all domestic higher education institutions, cooperative extension programs, non-profit organizations, consortiums, US government-affiliated research agencies, tribal government entities or any combination of the above.
Priority Development
The "Organic Training for Agricultural Professionals Prize" was developed based on priorities set through public and private input. Read about how these priorities were developed here.
Questions?
Email us at ExtensionPrize@organic-center.org
