The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has made available $3.3 million for a package of research projects under the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative.  The recipients include a consortium of Land Grant universities in collaboration with the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

One component of the research program will comprise development of a water-soluble suspension of essential oils intended as a preventive against necrotic enteritis and intestinal infections encountered in organic flocks that cannot receive antibiotics. 

A second research project will evaluate encapsulating probiotics to control Salmonella and Campylobacter.  If successful both sub-projects of the comprehensive program will be of benefit to other than organic poultry.

A spokesperson for the University of Connecticut stated, “Our drive is to include microbiological safety as a principal objective to ensure that organic products that come onto the market are safe for human consumption.