Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Strengthening Agricultural Systems

USDA-NIFA USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011677
Posted: Jan 29, 2026 12:00:00 AM EST
Closes: 04/23/2026

Funding Information

Estimated Total Funding
$140,000,000
Award Ceiling
$10,000,000
Award Floor
$1,000,000
Expected Number of Awards
18
Cost sharing or matching is required for this grant.

Description

The long-term goal of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to help transform the U.S. food and agricultural system to increase agricultural production while enhancing farmer prosperity. Achieving this goal will require transdisciplinary approaches to address current and future food and agricultural challenges within the context of the economic viability of farm operations, quality of life for farmers and society as a whole, and the most efficient use of resources. NIFA is soliciting applications to support:1. At least one of the following Strengthening Agricultural Systems sub-priorities:a. New Uses and Expanding Markets for Agriculture and Forestry Productsb. Solutions to Pests and Diseases of Plants or Animalsc. Combating Food and Diet-Related Chronic Diseases2. Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences*See AFRI SAS NOFO for each program area specific application due date.

Synopsis

The long-term goal of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to help transform the U.S. food and agricultural system to increase agricultural production while enhancing farmer prosperity. Achieving this goal will require transdisciplinary approaches to address current and future food and agricultural challenges within the context of the economic viability of farm operations, quality of life for farmers and society as a whole, and the most efficient use of resources. NIFA is soliciting applications to support:

1. At least one of the following Strengthening Agricultural Systems sub-priorities:

a. New Uses and Expanding Markets for Agriculture and Forestry Products

b. Solutions to Pests and Diseases of Plants or Animals

c. Combating Food and Diet-Related Chronic Diseases

2. Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences

*See AFRI SAS NOFO for each program area specific application due date.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
1. Integrated ProjectsEligible applicants for Integrated Projects include: a) Colleges and universities;b) 1994 Land-grant Institutions; andc) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities (see NIFA's Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities page).For item a) under Integrated Projects, the terms ""college"" and ""university"" means an educational institution in any state which i) admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate; ii) is legally authorized to provide a program of education beyond secondary education; iii) provides an educational program for which a bachelor’s degree or any other higher degree is awarded; iv) is a public or other nonprofit institution; and v) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association. A research foundation maintained by a college or university is eligible to receive an award under this program.2. Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement GrantsPart II § C.2 of this NOFO contains the eligibility details for FASE Grants. Note that under FASE program, Strengthening Coordinated Agricultural Project Grants are solicited in this NOFO.

Funding Activity Categories

Agriculture

CFDA Numbers

  • 10.310 - Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)

Contact Information

Agency: Adam Hoque Grantor
Contact: Adam Hoque Grantor
Phone: 407-747-9786
NIFA Support Email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays

Additional Information

Document Type: synopsis
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Version: 3
Last Updated: Mar 23, 2026 11:57:10 AM EDT

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