The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) aims to enhance agricultural research, education, and extension projects. For Fiscal Year 2026, it anticipates funding of $300 million to address six priority areas: plant health and production; animal health and production; food safety, nutrition, and health; bioenergy and natural resources; agriculture systems and technology; and agricultural economics and rural communities. Key application deadlines vary based on program area, and a Letter of Intent (LOI) is required for some grant applications. Projects must engage stakeholders and emphasize solutions to urgent challenges faced by farmers and ranchers, aiming to improve efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. NIFA encourages collaboration with various entities and emphasizes merit-based evaluation over diversity-based criteria, focusing on the relevance to U.S. agriculture. Notably, a new Mentoring Plan is mandated for all projects involving education or training, enhancing the development of future professionals. This grant program serves as a critical pillar for driving innovations and advancements in U.S. agricultural practices.

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.