USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Foundational and Applied Science Program Fiscal Year 2025-2026

FUNDING PROGRAM: USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) – Foundational and Applied Science (FAS) Program Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011134.

FUNDING AGENCIES: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

OPPORTUNITY:

AFRI-FAS 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. 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. The global agricultural output needs to be expanded significantly to meet the food needs of the population expected in 2050; thus, it is imperative to develop innovative, safe, and sustainable management strategies for livestock (including poultry and aquaculture species), crops, and critical underlying resources.

Applications that address climate change, food and nutrition security, expanding markets for producers, traditional ecological knowledge, and equity for underserved producers are welcome. Also welcome are applications incorporating virtual learning options, where appropriate and practical for integrated programs.

DESCRIPTION:

The AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program supports grants in six AFRI priority areas to advance knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture. The six priority areas are:

• 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

This Request for Applications (RFA) solicits Standard Grants, Conference Grants, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants. Research-only, extension-only, and integrated res earch, education and/or extension projects are solicited in this RFA.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: 

Eligibility is linked to the project type as specified below:

Research, Education or Extension Projects

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.

Integrated Projects

Eligible applicants for Integrated Projects include:

• Colleges and universities
• 1994 Land-Grant Institutions
• Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities

Note: A research foundation maintained by a college or university is eligible to receive an award under this program.

Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement Grants

Under the FASE program, New Investigator Standard, New Investigator Seed, Strengthening Standard, Strengthening Conference, Strengthening Seed, Equipment and Sabbatical Grants are solicited by specific program area priorities in this RFA. Not all grant types are solicited by every program area priority in this RFA and only grant types specifically solicited by each specific area priority, as identified in the Program Area Descriptions will be considered for review.

COST SHARING: 

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 unless a waiver is granted.

FUNDING AVAILABLE:

• FUNDING AVAILABILITY: $300 million. This RFA is being released prior to the passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2025. Enactment of a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other authorizing legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.
• INDIVIDUAL AWARD AMOUNTS:  See the respective program area or program area priority for the designated maximum award amount.

APPLICATION WINDOW: 

• Submission Deadline for Letter of Intent (LOI): Certain program areas or program area priorities within this RFA require a LOI. See respective program areas or program area priority to determine if a LOI is required.
• Submission Deadline for Applications: See the respective program area or program area priority for the designated application deadline.