Program Overview

The USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Program supports education, training, and professional development activities that strengthen the future workforce in food and
agricultural sciences.

Administered by USDA NIFA, the EWD program focuses on building capacity across the education pipeline—from youth and undergraduate learners to predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers—while supporting workforce training and professional development aligned with national agricultural priorities.

Program Areas Supported

The FY 2026 EWD program supports proposals across multiple education and workforce development activities, including:

• Non-formal education programs that cultivate food and agricultural interest in youth
• Workforce training at community, junior, and technical colleges
• Training undergraduate students in research and Extension or outreach activities
• Fellowships for predoctoral candidates
• Fellowships for postdoctoral scholars
• Education and workforce development workshop grants

These program areas are designed to strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals supporting U.S. food, agriculture, and natural resource systems.

Cost Sharing Requirements

Applicants must provide dollar-for-dollar matching contributions for all Federal funds awarded under AFRI for applied research grants, unless a waiver applies under USDA NIFA guidelines.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicant types include:

• State Agricultural Experiment Stations
• Colleges and universities, including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher
• University research foundations
• Other research institutions and organizations
• Federal agencies and national laboratories
• Private organizations or corporations
• Individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
• Groups consisting of two or more eligible entities

Foreign and international organizations are not eligible institutions under this program.

Funding Details

• Estimated Total Funding: Approximately $39,700,000
• Maximum Award Size: $50,000
• Funding Mechanism: Competitive grants
• Application Timeline: Continuous submission, subject to program-specific timing requirements

Workshop grant applications must be submitted upon invitation following a Letter of Intent and meet timing requirements relative to the proposed workshop start date.

For full eligibility criteria, application instructions, and official program guidance, applicants should review the
USDA NIFA Notice of Funding Availability on Grants.gov.

How LEC Partners Supports AFRI EWD Applicants

LEC Partners supports universities, research organizations, and consortia pursuing USDA NIFA education and workforce
development funding.

Our support includes:

• Program fit and eligibility assessment
• Alignment of education and workforce objectives with AFRI priorities
• Development and review of technical narratives
• Support for cost-share strategy and documentation
• Implementation planning and risk assessment

LEC brings independent, implementation-focused expertise to help applicants prepare clear, credible submissions that align with USDA NIFA review criteria.

Questions We Often Get About the AFRI EWD Program

Further Reading

LEC Insights

• Current Federal Funding Opportunities
  
• Overview of USDA Funding Programs
  
• Funding and Due Diligence for Bioeconomy Projects
  

Other Trusted Industry Sources

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
  
• Grants.gov