USDA Human Capital Capacity Building Initiative

UNDATED – The National Organic Program (NOP) is launching a Human Capital Capacity Building Initiative to address the shortage of well-qualified organic inspectors and reviewers, improve oversight capacity, and continue to ensure integrity in the organic market.

Using cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations, NOP will fund capacity-building projects that will expand and support the pool of organic inspectors, reviewers, and other organic professionals.

NOP is grateful for the input from the National Organic Standards Board, organic inspectors, reviewers, certifiers, professional associations, and other members of the community, which informed the projects proposed under this initiative.

Funding Opportunity

NOP plans to fund 3-6 one-year projects through cooperative agreements. Projects should begin in late summer or early fall 2021. Successful applicants will work collaboratively with NOP to implement their project proposals.

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring equity across the Department, removing barriers to access, and building inclusive programs for the agricultural sector. We are very interested in proposals with a focus on increasing diversity and racial equity in the inspector and reviewer workforce; and building and supporting an inclusive culture within the sector. We encourage partnerships and urge organizations to engage diverse beneficiaries when developing their proposals.

This opportunity is open to organizations and institutions with non-profit status.

How to Apply

A full description of the funding opportunity and application instructions are available in the Human Capital Capacity Building Initiative Request for Applications (RFA). Please review the entire RFA before completing and submitting an application.

Applications are due on July 2, 2021, for more information view the RFA.