FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-010453.
FUNDING PROGRAM: Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program.
FUNDING AGENCY: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (“NIFA”).
OPPORTUNITY:
NIFA ‘s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) is America’s flagship competitive grants program that provides funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences. In this Request for Applications (“RFA”), NIFA requests applications for the six AFRI priority areas through the Foundational and Applied Science Program for 2024. The goal of this program is to invest in agricultural production research, education, and extension projects for more sustainable, productive, and economically viable plant and animal production systems.
DESCRIPTION:
Applications that address climate change, food and nutrition security, expanding markets for producers, indigenous traditional ecological knowledge, and equity for underserved producers are welcome. Also welcome are applications that incorporate virtual learning options, where appropriate and practical for integrated programs.
In 2024, applications are sought in the following priority areas:
- Plant health and production and plant products
- Animal health and production and animal products
- Food safety, nutrition, and health
- Bioenergy, natural resources, and environment
- Agriculture systems and technology
- Agriculture economics and rural communities
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Eligible applicants for single-function Research, Education or Extension Projects include:
- State Agricultural Experiment Station
- Colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher)
- University research foundations
- Other research institutions and organizations
- Federal agencies
- National laboratories
- Private organizations or corporations
- Individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
- Any group consisting of two or more entities identified above
Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations.
MATCHING FUNDS:
Applicants MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under AFRI for applied research grants or equipment grants.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
The amount available for programs included in the FY 2024 AFRI Foundational and Applied Science (FAS) RFA is approximately $300,000,000. Funding from FY 2025 appropriations will be used for the programs solicited in this RFA. The amount available to support the AFRI program is anticipated to be approximately $407,000,000, of which $300 million will be used to support AFRI FAS programs.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Depending on the Program Area Priority – the deadline for applications varies from August 3, 2024 -September 19, 2024.