USDA AFRI Strengthening Agricultural Systems Funding Opportunity – FY 2026

Program Overview

The USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) – Strengthening Agricultural Systems Notice of Funding Opportunity is designed to support transdisciplinary research, education, and extension projects that address major challenges facing U.S. agriculture and food systems.

Administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the program focuses on improving agricultural productivity, enhancing farmer prosperity, strengthening food systems, and supporting more efficient use of resources across the agricultural economy. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The FY 2026 program places emphasis on integrated approaches that connect scientific innovation with real-world implementation challenges affecting producers, markets, food systems, and agricultural resilience.

Program Priorities

NIFA is soliciting applications under two primary program areas:

Strengthening Agricultural Systems (A9201)

• New Uses and Expanding Markets for Agriculture and Forestry Products
• Solutions to Pests and Diseases of Plants or Animals
• Combating Food and Diet-Related Chronic Diseases

Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences (A9231)

This focus area supports projects that integrate artificial intelligence technologies into food and agricultural science education and workforce development initiatives.

Why Strengthening Agricultural Systems Matters

Agricultural systems are facing increasing pressure from supply chain volatility, changing consumer expectations, climate variability, labor constraints, evolving regulations, and resource efficiency challenges.

Programs such as AFRI are intended to support practical innovation that improves agricultural resilience while helping producers, researchers, and industries adapt to changing economic and environmental conditions.

The program also reflects growing interest in:

• Sustainable agricultural production systems
• Food system resiliency
• Agricultural biotechnology and innovation
• Precision agriculture and AI applications
• Expanded agricultural product markets
• Long-term agricultural productivity and profitability

Funding Details

• Total Anticipated Funding: Approximately $140 million
• Award Range: $1 million – $10 million
• Letter of Intent Deadline: February 26, 2026
• Application Deadlines: March 26, 2026 and April 23, 2026 depending on program area

Cost Sharing Requirements

Applicants are generally required to provide dollar-for-dollar matching contributions for all federal funds awarded under AFRI applied research grants unless an approved waiver applies. Developing a clear cost-share strategy early in the proposal process is often critical for application readiness.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• 1862 Land-grant Institutions
• 1890 Land-grant Institutions
• 1994 Land-grant Institutions
• Hispanic-Serving Institutions
• State Agricultural Experiment Stations
• State-Controlled Institutions of Higher Education

How LEC Partners Supports Agricultural Innovation and Bioeconomy Projects

Programs such as AFRI often require applicants to combine technical research, commercialization potential, operational relevance, and stakeholder engagement into a cohesive project strategy.

LEC Partners supports organizations across agriculture, industrial biotechnology, renewable systems, and the broader bioeconomy with implementation-focused technical and commercial advisory services.

• Technical and commercial due diligence
• Research and market analysis
• Technology and feasibility assessment
• Commercialization strategy development
• Project development and implementation planning
• Funding strategy and proposal support

LEC’s multidisciplinary network of more than 150 specialists supports projects spanning feedstocks, fermentation, renewable fuels, biobased products, advanced agriculture, and industrial biotechnology systems.

Questions We Often Get About AFRI Funding