USDA Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative

FUNDING PROGRAM: USDA Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI).

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-OP-011214.

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

OPPORTUNITY:

This notice identifies the objectives for the Agricultural Genomes to Phenomes Initiative (AG2PI) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. NIFA requests applications for the AG2PI for FY 2025 that enable and support novel management and modeling tools for improved predictions and, therefore, selection of superior individuals or cultivars in genetic populations. The intent of the AG2PI program is to support integration of diverse disciplines that can effectively harness the power of phenomics, genomics, engineering, genetic diversity, and data science for improving production, sustainability, and climate resiliency of crop and livestock species.

DESCRIPTION:

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI) focuses on collaborative science engagement that intends to develop a community of researchers across both crops and animals that will lay the foundation for expanding knowledge concerning genomes and phenomes of importance to the agriculture sector of the United States. Success of the initiative will inform approaches to understanding how variable weather, environments, and production systems interact with genetic diversity present in crops and animals to impact growth and productivity. This will provide greater accuracy in predicting crop and animal performance under variable conditions and more efficient selection of well-adapted, superior genotypes that farmers and ranchers can produce.

These goals require interdisciplinary approaches that combine technologies such as advanced computing, automated high throughput phenotyping and genotyping as well as climatic modeling to be successful.  The initiative seeks to build on efforts such as the Plant Genome Research Project, the National Animal Genome Research Program, and other public initiatives.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: 

• State agricultural experiment stations
• Colleges and universities
• University research foundations
• Other research institutions and organizations
• Federal agencies
• National laboratories
• Private organizations, foundations, or corporations
• Individuals
• Any group consisting of two or more of the entities described above

COST SHARING: Applicants must provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded.

FUNDING AVAILABLE: 

• FUNDING AVAILABILITY: Estimated $1.8 Million.
• INDIVIDUAL AWARD AMOUNTS: $50,000 – $900,000.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 20, 2025.