USDA AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program (FY 2026)

Program Overview

The USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational and Applied Science (FAS) Program is the nation’s flagship competitive grants program supporting fundamental and applied research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences. For FY 2026, AFRI focuses on improving the sustainability, productivity, and economic viability of plant and animal production systems while protecting critical natural resources and rural economies.

This funding opportunity supports integrated projects that advance innovation in agricultural production, address emerging risks, and translate scientific advances into practical outcomes for producers, industry, and rural communities.

Priority Areas for FY 2026

Applications are solicited across six AFRI priority areas:

• Plant health and production and plant products
• Animal health and production and animal products
• Bioenergy, natural resources, and environment
• Food safety, nutrition, and health
• Agriculture systems and technology
• Agricultural economics and rural communities

Cost Sharing Requirements

Applicants must provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Proposals should clearly document the source, structure, and timing of all cost-share commitments.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for this AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program 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 and corporations
• Individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
• Any group consisting of two or more eligible entities

How LEC Partners Supports USDA AFRI Applicants

LEC Partners, based in Cambridge, MA, works with project teams across the bioeconomy to develop competitive federal funding applications. For AFRI Foundational and Applied Science opportunities, our experts help align technical concepts with program requirements while reducing risk and strengthening proposal quality.

• Align project concepts with AFRI priority areas and evaluation criteria
• Funding application packaging assistance
• Develop or review technical, financial, and feasibility models
• Define work plans, milestones, and risk-mitigation strategies
• Strengthen commercialization, extension, and rural impact narratives
• Ensure cost-share structures and budgets are realistic and well-supported

Our team brings deep experience in bioenergy, biobased materials, agricultural systems, and advanced biotechnologies—helping applicants submit credible, implementation-focused proposals that resonate with USDA reviewers.