Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program
ID: 357971Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)

Award Range

$1K - $15M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Agriculture

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program for its Foundational and Applied Science Program, with an estimated total funding of approximately $300 million for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. This program seeks applications for projects that address six priority areas: plant health, animal health, food safety, bioenergy, agricultural systems and technology, and agricultural economics, while emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in research initiatives. The AFRI program aims to enhance sustainability in agricultural practices and improve food security, particularly in rural communities, by encouraging innovative approaches and collaboration with underserved populations. Interested applicants can find more information and submit inquiries via email at grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov, with the application deadline set for December 31, 2025.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program is seeking applications for its Foundational and Applied Science Program for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, with an anticipated funding amount of approximately $300 million. This funding opportunity encourages projects addressing six priority areas: plant health, animal health, food safety, bioenergy, agricultural systems and technology, and agricultural economics. Emphasis is placed on enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in research programs. Applicants are encouraged to engage with underserved communities and utilize innovative approaches to improve sustainability in agricultural practices amid growing food demands by 2050. Essential elements of this RFA include the requirement of a mentoring plan for education-associated grants and the facilitation of co-funding topics through commodity boards. The application deadlines vary by specific program areas, and collaborative projects incorporating traditional ecological knowledge and addressing climate change are particularly welcomed. Overall, this funding initiative aims to sustain and advance both fundamental and applied research in food and agricultural sciences, directly contributing to the economic viability of rural communities and promoting food security.
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