Plant Protection Act Section 7721 National Clean Plant Network Program

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is offering at least $8 million in funding through the Plant Protection Act Section 7721 for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Clean Plant Network (NCPN). This program aims to establish a network of Clean Plant Centers to produce pathogen-free propagative plant material for specialty crops, protecting U.S. agriculture and ensuring global competitiveness. Eligible applicants include universities, state and federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Proposals must align with NCPN Strategic Plan goals, target specialty crops, and adhere to submission requirements by September 3, 2025. Projects will be evaluated based on goal alignment, stakeholder participation, governing body coordination, and overall merit. Awards will be primarily cooperative agreements, with performance periods typically lasting 12 months. Reporting and project evaluation will be conducted semiannually.

The Plant Protection Act Section 7721 Fiscal Year 2026 National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) funding opportunity, USDA-APHIS-10025-PPQ-NCPN-2026, aims to establish Clean Plant Centers for diagnostic services, pathogen elimination, and the maintenance of pathogen-tested plant material. Funded through cooperative agreements or interagency agreements, this program prioritizes optimizing clean plant production, advancing novel technologies, and efficient resource utilization. Applicants must submit a project proposal work plan, a financial plan, and documentation of a pre-proposal review. While cost-sharing is not required, any committed contributions become legally binding. Applications are due by September 3, 2025, and must be submitted via email to ncpn@usda.gov. Proposals are evaluated on goal alignment, stakeholder participation, network harmonization, and overall project merit. Selected applicants receive funding through ezFedGrants and are subject to semi-annual accomplishment and financial reporting requirements. Indirect costs are capped at 15% of the total award or the negotiated indirect cost rate, whichever is less.