FLC | USDA invites applicants for AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Programs

USDA invites applicants for AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Programs

May 2, 2021

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) is America’s flagship competitive grants program that provides funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences. In this RFA, USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) requests applications for six AFRI priority areas through the Foundational and Applied Science Program for 2021 and 2022.

Submission deadlines vary by program. 2021 deadlines range from May 6 to July 29. Applicants considering applying to the second year should check the AFRI RFA webpage and www.grants.gov.

The goal of this program is to invest in agricultural production research, education, and extension projects for more sustainable, productive and economically viable plant and animal production systems. The global agricultural output needs to be expanded significantly to meet the food needs of the population expected in 2050; thus, it is imperative to develop innovative, safe and sustainable management strategies for livestock, crops, and critical underlying resources.

In 2021 and 2022, applications are sought in the following priority areas:

1. Plant health and production and plant products;

2. Animal health and production and animal products;

3. Food safety, nutrition, and health;

4. Bioenergy, natural resources, and environment;

5. Agriculture systems and technology; and

6. Agriculture economics and rural communities

The anticipated amount available for new grants for the 2021 deadlines in this Foundational and Applied Science RFA is approximately $300 million. The anticipated amount available for new grants for the 2022 deadlines in this Foundational and Applied Science RFA is approximately $300 million.