Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 011677
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) grant opportunity, offered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), is designed to push forward practical, high-impact work that helps transform the U.S. food and agricultural system. The long-term aim is twofold: increase agricultural production while also improving farmer prosperity. NIFA frames this as more than just boosting yields or output; projects are expected to recognize the real-world conditions that shape agriculture, including the economic viability of farm operations, the quality of life of farmers and communities, and the need to use resources as efficiently as possible. Because of that, the program emphasizes transdisciplinary approaches, meaning proposals should bring together expertise across fields and connect research to real on-the-ground challenges and outcomes.
Within SAS, NIFA is specifically soliciting applications that align with at least one of several stated sub-priorities. These include developing new uses and expanding markets for agriculture and forestry products, which can involve value-added products, new supply chains, or innovative market opportunities that increase returns to producers. Another priority area focuses on solutions to pests and diseases of plants or animals, supporting work that strengthens prevention, detection, management, and resilience across crop and livestock systems. A third priority targets combating food and diet-related chronic diseases, reflecting the connection between agricultural systems, food availability and quality, and long-term public health outcomes. In addition to those SAS sub-priorities, the NOFO also highlights a separate emphasis area: Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences, supporting efforts that bring AI concepts and tools into K-12 learning tied specifically to food and agriculture, helping build the future workforce and agricultural literacy pipeline.
The opportunity includes at least two main funding pathways described in the notice: Integrated Projects and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants. Integrated Projects have specific eligibility categories, including colleges and universities, 1994 Land-grant Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities. For the general college and university category, NIFA clarifies that eligible institutions must admit students with a secondary school diploma (or equivalent), be legally authorized to provide education beyond secondary school, offer programs leading to a bachelors degree or higher, be public or nonprofit, and be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. The NOFO also notes that a research foundation maintained by a college or university may apply and receive an award, which can be important for institutions that route sponsored research through affiliated foundations.
For FASE Grants, eligibility and requirements are detailed elsewhere in the NOFO (Part II, section C.2). The notice also flags that, under the FASE program, Strengthening Coordinated Agricultural Project Grants are solicited through this same funding opportunity, which signals that applicants should pay close attention to the specific FASE track structure, budget limits, and project-type rules as defined in the full announcement.
Key administrative details from the listing include that this is a discretionary grant program under CFDA 10.310, with the funding opportunity number USDA NIFA AFRI 011677. The application deadline is March 26, 2026. NIFA anticipates making about 18 awards, with an award ceiling listed at $10,000,000, indicating that larger, ambitious projects are possible under the right project type and scope. Overall, the SAS NOFO is aimed at funding projects that can credibly strengthen agricultural systems in ways that are scientifically sound, integrated across disciplines, and directly responsive to both producer realities and broader societal needs.Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 011677
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Strengthening Agricultural Systems" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.310.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-01-29.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-03-26. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 18 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Feed the Future Innovation Labs Apply for DFOP0017826 Funding Number: DFOP0017826 Agency: Office of Global Food Security Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $40,000,000 |
| Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Workshop Projects Apply for USDA NIFA D113A 32483 Funding Number: USDA NIFA D113A 32483 Agency: Electronic Research Administration Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Planning Projects for Assistance in Development of Future OREI Proposals Requiring Multi-regional or Regional Coordination Apply for USDA NIFA D113A 32357 Funding Number: USDA NIFA D113A 32357 Agency: Electronic Research Administration Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative - OREI Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components Apply for USDA NIFA D113A 32481 Funding Number: USDA NIFA D113A 32481 Agency: Electronic Research Administration Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $3,500,000 |
| Coordinating Agricultural Development & Innovation (CADI) Uzbekistan: U.S. Soy Marketing Promotion Apply for USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 25 0011 Funding Number: USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 25 0011 Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $115,000 |
| Coordinating Agricultural Development & Innovation (CADI) Armenia Exchanges: U.S. Food Safety Regulations and Standards Training Program Apply for USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 25 0010 Funding Number: USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 25 0010 Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $110,000 |
| Coordinating Agricultural Development & Innovation (CADI) Uzbekistan Exchanges: Promotion of U.S. Distilled Spirits Apply for USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 25 0009 Funding Number: USDA FAS 10960 0700 10 25 0009 Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $115,000 |
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