Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program
ID: 360205Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)

Award Range

$10K - $10M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Agriculture

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360205

Additional Information

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agriculture-food-research-initiative-foundational-applied-science
Timeline
    Description

    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program, which aims to enhance agricultural research, education, and extension projects across six priority areas. This program seeks to address critical challenges in agriculture by funding projects that focus on plant health, animal health, food safety, bioenergy, agricultural systems, and rural economics, with an emphasis on stakeholder engagement and innovative solutions. With an estimated total funding of $300 million for Fiscal Year 2026, grants will range from $10,000 to $10 million, and applicants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria outlined in the Request for Applications (RFA). Interested parties can find more information and submit inquiries to grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov, with applications due by December 31, 2026.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    FY25-AFRI-FAS-RFA-2P.pdf
    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.
    FY25-AFRI-FAS-RFA-P.pdf
    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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