The U.S.-based Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) says it will invest US$450,000 over the next three years in organic fruit research and education projects in North America, including Canada.
The projects will be funded in conjunction with Stretch Island Fruit Company, makers of FruitaBü organic fruit snacks, which has committed $450,000 to help growers increase the supply of organic fruit.
OFRF has issued its request for proposals for organic research and education projects for fall 2008. Proposals for awards of up to $15,000 per year ($20,000 for fruit projects) are due to OFRF on or before July 15. Multi-year funding will be considered for fruit projects. Fruit proposals are subject to the same application and review process as OFRF’s general grants program, but will be underwritten by the new partnership funds.
OFRF says it offers funds for research on any topic that will improve organic production systems, and for education and outreach projects to share organic farming information with current organic producers and with farmers and ranchers considering transitioning their operations to organic.
