Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development

FY2026 - Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development - NOFO

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
Competitive Grants Program
Education and Workforce Development
FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026
LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Varies by Program Area Priority (see Part I, C)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Varies by Program Area Priority (see Part I, C)
ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $39,700,000
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011596
ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.310

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ANNOUNCEMENT
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
Assistance Listing Number: The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education
and Workforce Development (EWD) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.310.
Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines
Task Description Deadline
Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, on the DATE 2026 deadline dates
indicated in Part I, C
Letter of Intent: Only required for A7001, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, on the LOI
deadline dates indicated in Part I § C.7
Applicants Comments: Within six months from the issuance of this notice
(NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)
Table 2: Program Area Priorities and Deadlines
Program Area Priority 2026 Review Cycle Deadlines1
1. Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy Thursday, March 19, 2026
(A7501)
2. Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Thursday, March 19, 2026
Colleges (A7601)
3. Food and Agricultural Non-formal Education (A7801) Thursday, March 19, 2026
4. Research and Extension Experiences for Thursday, March 19, 2026
Undergraduates (A7401)
5. Predoctoral Fellowships (A7101) Thursday, April 16, 2026
6. Postdoctoral Fellowships (A7201) Thursday, April 30, 2026
7. Education and Workforce Development Workshop Continuous throughout the year
Grants (A7001) but at least 210 days before the
start of the workshop and upon
invitation after submission of a
Letter of Intent at least 255 days
before the workshop begins.
1 All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.
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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to the extent permitted by law, will no
longer make grants or otherwise fund programs or activities that improperly discriminate on the
basis of race or sex, including discrimination in the name of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
policies. Instead, USDA will prioritize merit and efficiency. USDA recognizes programs and
initiatives will have the greatest impact when these programs and initiatives put American
farmers, ranchers, and foresters first by:
• solving the most pressing challenges they face;
• protecting America’s food, fuel, and fiber supply to enhance national security;
• supporting production of healthy and safe food for consumers;
• expanding and developing domestic markets;
• training the next generation of agriculturalists; and
• fueling innovation to keep American farmers at the forefront of productivity.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to advancing these
principles and encourages applicants to actively engage farmers, ranchers, and foresters when
applying for funding opportunities to ensure relevancy and adherence to them. NIFA also
encourages agricultural leaders to engage in the peer review panel process to ensure American
producers are better served through research, education, and extension activities.
Stakeholder Input. NIFA seeks comments on all Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) so
it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer
service. NIFA considers comments to the extent possible when developing NOFOs, and uses
comments to help meet the requirements of (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). Applicants may submit
written comments to Policy@usda.gov. Please use the following subject line: Response to the
AFRI Education and Workforce Development NOFO.
Centers of Excellence. Applicants are encouraged to visit NIFA’s Centers of Excellence (COE)
webpage for information on the COE designation process, including COE criteria, and a list of
programs offering COE opportunities. A recording of COE outreach and COE implementation
webinars are also available.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This notice identifies the objectives for AFRI EWD program projects, deadlines, funding
information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated
instructions.
The anticipated amount available for new grants for the deadlines in this NOFO is approximately
$39.7 million in AFRI funding. Additional projects submitted under this NOFO may be
considered should funding become available beyond the amount listed above.
The 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 2026, NIFA requests applications for the AFRI’s EWD program area priorities to
support:
1. professional development opportunities for K-14 educational professionals;
2. non-formal education that cultivates food and agricultural interest in youth;
3. workforce training at community, junior, and technical colleges;
4. training of undergraduate students in research and extension;
5. fellowships for predoctoral candidates;
6. fellowships for postdoctoral scholars; and
7. education and workforce development workshop grants.
This NOFO solicits Standard Grants and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE)
Grants, whereas project types solicited in this NOFO are Research, Education, Extension, and
Integrated Research, Education, and/or Extension projects. Grant types and project types
solicited vary by program area priority, and not all grant types are solicited within each program
area priority. See Part I, C for grant and project types solicited by each specific program area
priority and Part II, C for a description of each individual grant type and project type.
Applications from and collaborations with institutions eligible for Strengthening Grants are
welcome. More information is available on the AFRI FASE and Established Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) page.
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2026 UPDATES
1. A Mentoring Plan (MentP) is now required for all AFRI grant applications solicited in
this NOFO (excluding workshop grants) for projects that involve any type of education,
training or mentoring of students or other individuals including high school students,
undergraduate students, graduate students, professional degree students, postdoctoral
scholars, other professionals or any other individual receiving any type of formal, or non-
formal training on the proposed project. For additional important details, see the “FY
2026 AFRI Education and Workforce Development NOFO Additional Information for
Part IV, C” on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
2. Year-round Workshop Grant applications are accepted after submission of a Letter of
Intent (LOI), see Part I § C for more information. The LOI must be submitted a minimum
of 255 days before the start of the workshop. The full Workshop Grant application must
be submitted a minimum of 210 days before the start of the workshop.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... 4
2026 UPDATES .......................................................................................................................... 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... 6
TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 7
PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION ........................................................ 8
A. Legislative Authority ......................................................................................................................................... 8
B. Purpose and Priorities ........................................................................................................................................ 8
C. Program Area Description ................................................................................................................................. 9
Program Area ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
1. Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy ....................................................................................... 12
Program Area 2. Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges ....................................................... 15
Program Area 3. Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education (FANE) ........................................................... 18
Program Area 4. Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates ....................................................... 20
Program Area 5. Predoctoral Fellowships ........................................................................................................... 22
Program Area 6. Postdoctoral Fellowships .......................................................................................................... 25
Program Area 7. Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants ..................................................... 28
PART II. AWARD INFORMATION .................................................................................... 30
A. Available Funding ........................................................................................................................................... 30
B. Application Restrictions .................................................................................................................................. 30
C. Project and Grant Types .................................................................................................................................. 30
D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects ................................................................................................................ 31
PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION ......................................................................... 32
A. Eligibility Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 32
B. Request for Determination of Status ................................................................................................................ 33
C. Cost Sharing or Matching ................................................................................................................................ 33
D. Centers of Excellence ...................................................................................................................................... 34
PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION ................................................................. 35
A. Letter of Intent ................................................................................................................................................. 35
B. Method of Application ..................................................................................................................................... 35
C. Content and Form of the Application .............................................................................................................. 35
D. Funding Restrictions ........................................................................................................................................ 37
PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS ................................................... 39
A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process .............................................................................................................................. 39
B. Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................................................... 40
C. Centers of Excellence ...................................................................................................................................... 40
D. Organizational Management Information ........................................................................................................ 40
E. Application Disposition ................................................................................................................................... 40
PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................ 41
A. General ............................................................................................................................................................ 41
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements .......................................................................................... 41
C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements ............................................................................... 41
PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION .................................................................................. 42
A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget .............................................................................................................. 42
B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards .......................................................................................... 43
C. Regulatory Information ................................................................................................................................... 43
D. Language Access Services ............................................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT .................................................................................... 44
APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................. 45
APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................ 46
APPENDIX IV: OTHER AFRI RESOURCES .................................................................... 49
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TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION
Dates and Deadlines ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Table 2: Program Area Priorities and Deadlines ........................................................................................................... 2
Table 3: Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy Key Information ......................................................... 12
Table 4: Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges Key Information ................................................ 15
Table 5: Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education Key Information .................................................................. 18
Table 6: Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Key Information ................................................. 20
Table 7: Predoctoral Fellowships Key Information ..................................................................................................... 22
Table 8: Postdoctoral Fellowships Key Information ................................................................................................... 25
Table 9: Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants Key Information ............................................... 28
Table 10: Steps to Obtain Application Materials ......................................................................................................... 35
Table 11: Help and Resources ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Table 12: Key Application Instructions ....................................................................................................................... 36
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PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
A. Legislative Authority
Section 2(b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (hereafter referred to
as the Act) (7 U.S.C. 3157), as amended, authorizes the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
(AFRI), a competitive grant program, to provide funding for fundamental and applied research,
education, and extension to address food and agricultural sciences in the following six 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.
To the maximum extent practicable, NIFA, in coordination with the Under Secretary for
Research, Education, and Economics (REE), will make grants for high priority research,
education, and extension, taking into consideration, when available, the determinations made by
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
(NAREEEAB) pursuant to the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.
3157). The Secretary delegates the authority to the Under Secretary for Research, Education and
Economics in 7 CFR 2.21, and the Under Secretary delegates that authority to NIFA in 7 CFR
2.66.
B. Purpose and Priorities
The purpose of AFRI (listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.310) is to support
research, education, and extension projects that will help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other
agricultural producers address key problems of local, regional, and national importance in
sustaining food and agricultural systems. These include farm and ranch production efficiency,
profitability, and sustainability; domestic biofuels and bio-based products; forestry; aquaculture;
rural communities and entrepreneurship; human nutrition; mitigating impacts of biotic and
abiotic constraints on food production; food safety; prevention of agricultural pests and diseases,
and genetic improvement of plants and animals. In addition, the economic sustainability of food
systems is an overarching priority for the projects funded in response to this NOFO; therefore,
projects focusing on plant or animal species or commodities that are important to small- or
medium-sized farms or ranches are also welcome. Through this support, AFRI advances
knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture. Additionally,
AFRI supports work in education and extension activities that deliver science-based knowledge
to end users, allowing them to make informed, practical decisions. This AFRI EWD NOFO
provides funding for research-only, education-only, extension-only, and/or integrated research,
education, and/or extension projects addressing the six priorities identified in Part I, A. Each
Program Area Priority within this NOFO may offer all or some of these project types.
Addressing agricultural challenges requires research, education, extension, and integrated
programs in concert with science-based approaches that increase the production capability of
agriculture and natural resources.
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Background
AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grants portfolio for food and agricultural sciences, and
funding is offered through the Foundational and Applied Science (FAS), Sustainable
Agricultural Systems (SAS), and Education and Workforce Development (EWD) NOFOs for
addressing critical societal issues.
The Program Area Priorities in this NOFO address the following legislatively-authorized sub-
priorities:
A. Plant Health and Production and Plant Products;
B. Animal Health and Production and Animal Products;
C. Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health;
D. Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment;
E. Agriculture Systems and Technology; and
F. Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities.
C. Program Area Description
The Program Area Priorities in this NOFO address projected shortfalls of qualified graduates in
the agricultural, food, forestry, range, and energy resources sectors of the U.S. economy
(Employment Opportunities for College Graduates). Applicants are encouraged to develop
projects that equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills in Artificial
Intelligence (AI), preparing them to thrive in an increasingly digital society or support
educators with tools and training needed not only train students about AI, but also to utilize AI
in their classrooms to improve educational outcomes. Projects may create training programs
that equip participants with essential skills and competencies across the respective program
area priority learning pathways. This NOFO seeks applications for education and training
grants that focus on further enhancing the distinct components of the pipeline for developing
the workforce in the food and agricultural sciences. The AFRI EWD Program Area Priorities
have four overarching goals:
1. Growing Agricultural Literacy and Workforce Development for the Future offers
institutional grants to provide K-14 teachers and administrators with increased knowledge
of the food and agricultural sciences and help them develop improved curricula to train
the agricultural workforce for the future. See Part I, C.1 “Professional Development for
Agricultural Literacy” (Program Code A7501).
2. Training or Retraining of Agricultural Workers provides institutional training grants
to develop a technology- and data-savvy workforce ready for the field and industrial
jobs. See Part I, C.2 for “Agricultural Workforce Training Grants at Community
Colleges” (Program Code A7601).
3. Developing Pathways provides formal or non-formal education and experiential
learning for students to enter or gain skills applicable to the food and agriculture
fields. This NOFO seeks to support the development of non-formal education
activities that cultivate interest and build public confidence in the safe and enhanced
use of technology in food and agricultural sciences. See Part I, C.3 for “Food and
Agricultural Non-formal Education” (Program Code A7801). This NOFO also
offers grants that propose formal experiential learning for undergraduates in food,
agriculture, or allied disciplines and helps them learn the technical and leadership
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skills required for employment in the food and agricultural sectors or for graduate
programs. See Part I C.4 for “Research and Extension Experiences for
Undergraduates” (Program Code A7401).
4. Advancing Science supports graduate and post-graduate education in food and
agriculture disciplines. See Part I C.5 and Part I C.6 for “Predoctoral Fellowships”
(Program Code A7101) and “Postdoctoral Fellowships” (Program Code A7201),
respectively.
Total AFRI EWD Program Funds – Approximately $39.7 million. Additional projects
submitted under this NOFO will be considered should funding become available beyond the
amount indicated above.
Key Information Applicable to all AFRI EWD Program Area Priorities:
1. All applications must adhere to the requirements in Part IV.
2. All applications to the AFRI EWD Program Area must be aligned with at least one of the
six AFRI Farm Bill Priority Areas (Part I, A) and must address the Program Area
Priorities described subsequently.
3. All AFRI EWD projects are required to provide opportunities for development of
leadership skills which are necessary for preparing project participants for agriculture-
related careers in the private sector, government, and academia. Projects must
demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component through competencies,
such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication skills, and training
in ethics and professionalism.
4. The AFRI EWD Program Area Priorities anticipate funding projects with measurable
outcomes/objectives. These may include but are not limited to: 1) number and duration of
students and participants that are supported directly or undertaking internships,
externships, certifications, and other experiential learning opportunities; 2) number of K-
14 teachers, educational professionals, and/or students who indirectly benefit from the
projects; 3) number of international experiences that promote American leadership in
innovation and ingenuity; 4) number of publications, patents, and workshops; 5) quality
of developed curricula materials, or academic programs; 6) success of recruitment and
retention programs; 7) quality of collaborations developed among institutions; 8)
measurable changes in student learning or engagement; and 9) measurable changes in the
number of graduates in food and agricultural science disciplines.
5. Applications that include study abroad or collaborations with international mentors must
also include a description of how that experiential learning will directly benefit U.S. food
and agriculture production systems; improve agricultural education and teaching, as well
as promote American leadership in innovation and ingenuity as described in this Notice
of Funding Opportunities.
6. A MentP is now required for all AFRI grant applications (excluding workshop grants) for
projects that involve any type of education, training or mentoring of students or other
individuals including high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students,
professional degree students, postdoctoral scholars, other professionals or any other
individual receiving any type of formal, or non-formal training on the proposed project.
For additional important details, see the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage. For
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predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships, please consult the specific Program Area
Priority’s narrative guidance for MentP requirements.
Applications are solicited in the following seven Program Area Priorities:
1. Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy (PDAL)
2. Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges (AWT)
3. Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education (FANE)
4. Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU)
5. Predoctoral Fellowships
6. Postdoctoral Fellowships
7. Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants
For a program informational webinar please visit the NIFA calendar for dates, event registration,
and link. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the informational
webinars listed, please contact the event host listed no later than 10 days prior to the event.
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Program Area 1. Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy
Table 3: Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy Key Information
Title Description
Program Code: A7501
Program Code Name: Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy
Assistance Listing Number 10.310
Project Type(s): Education, Extension, or Integrated Projects only
Grant Type(s): a. Standard Grants and FASE (Strengthening Standard)
Grants only
b. See Part II, C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant
applications.
Application Deadline FY 2026: Thursday, March 19, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern
Time)
Grant Duration: 36-48 months
Maximum Award a. Including indirect costs: $500,000
Amount(s): b. A minimum of 50% of project direct costs requested must
be for participant support.
c. Each review cycle NIFA may award up to two grants per
lead institution.
Program Area Priority A7501@usda.gov
Contact(s):
Program Area Priority:
The PDAL Program Area Priority seeks to increase the number of K-14 educational
professionals trained in the food and agricultural sciences. Participants (teachers, post-
baccalaureate pre-service teachers, counselors, administrators) are expected to develop and apply
skills necessary for integrating food and agricultural science concepts in their classes; explore the
opportunities available in food and agricultural science career paths; and/or forge mentorships
with professional and business leaders, and faculty at two- and four-year institutions.
Education, Extension, or Integrated Projects must:
a. Promote faculty expertise and encourage widespread implementation of educational
innovation at K-14 levels in the food and agricultural sciences. This includes topics that
contain elements of the human sciences (e.g., disciplines that address issues challenging
individuals, youth, families, and communities).
b. Provide immersive learning experiences (e.g., teacher hands-on research, teacher
experiential learning), curriculum development and implementation, and teaching
training for K-14 education professionals (e.g., teachers, counselors, administrators) and
post-baccalaureate pre-service teachers to create and replicate best practices to improve
student success outcomes within the food and agricultural sciences.
1) Projects including curriculum development components must be led by or include key
personnel with curriculum development credentials to ensure materials produced
comply with the most appropriate pedagogy, teaching standards, and other applicable
institutional, state, and national accreditation requirements.
2) For the purposes of this Program Area Priority, immersive learning experiences refer
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to those activities that allow the participant (i.e., K-14 education professionals) to
learn by doing and participating in meaningful experiences. After being presented
with a problem, participants research, try, solve, and reflect on the process allowing
them to apply the lesson more broadly to their classroom, teaching, and lives.
c. Non-exhaustive examples of projects include:
1) Developing self-sustaining models for professional development that better prepare
education professionals to provide outstanding teaching, guidance, institutional
structures, etc., that enhance student outcomes in the food and agricultural sciences.
2) Changing instructional approaches to effectively identify skill gaps and address
conceptual areas particularly challenging to students.
3) Integrating innovations in science and pedagogy into existing professional
development programs (e.g., through hands-on research and extension experiences
with partner institutions and laboratories).
4) Exploring self-sustaining web-based approaches for professional development for
education professionals.
5) Adapting curricula to train or retrain agricultural workforce for the future.
6) Other methods to fill the existing gap of professional development in advanced food
and agricultural sciences for education professionals at the K-14 education level.
Additional Information:
a. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.
b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.
c. Application and submission information, including page limits and narrative font sizes,
for this Program Area Priority is available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be excluded from review and
consideration of funding.
d. A minimum of 50% of project direct costs for PDAL projects must be for participant
support, including items such as participant stipends, cost of subsistence (housing, meals)
and dependent care for immersive experiences, reasonable travel, classroom materials
and teaching kits, and laboratory use fees. Participant support costs included in
subawards may count towards the 50% minimum.
e. Use of undergraduate or graduate students as project staff is allowed under this Program
Area Priority as long as the requested effort support is allocable, reasonable, and
necessary for the execution of the project. Undergraduate and graduate student tuition
remission costs are not allowed.
f. Projects that create educator training opportunities that help effectively integrate
Artificial Intelligence-based understanding, tools, and modalities into classrooms and
curriculum focused on food and agricultural sciences are welcome.
g. Projects in elementary and middle school education settings are welcome.
h. Projects integrating participant interpersonal skill development activities and training for
effective in-person and/or virtual teaching are welcome.
i. Projects that involve participation from industry and nonprofit organizations through
collaborating mentors and/or that connect education professionals to existing USDA and
Federal resources (e.g., USDA Agricultural Research Service, USDA Forest Service,
other Federal laboratories, open data resources) to enhance student outcomes in the food
and agricultural sciences are welcome.
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j. As applicable, if the majority of project activities are taking place off-site, off-campus
indirect cost rates should be charged.
k. If organized by the Program Area Priority, the PD will be required to attend one NIFA
AFRI EWD PD meeting during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel
expenses must be included as part of the project budget. While budgets should account
for this travel, NIFA may consider virtual, or hybrid meetings.
l. Reasonable costs for evaluation and hiring of evaluation professionals may be included.
m. A MentP is required. For additional important details, see the AFRI NOFO Resources
webpage.
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Program Area 2. Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges
Table 4: Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges Key Information
Title Description
Program Code: A7601
Program Code Agricultural Workforce Training Grants
Name:
Assistance Listing 10.310
Number:
Project Type(s): Education Projects only
a. Education Projects only for Standard Grants and Strengthening
Standard Grants
Grant Type(s): a. Standard Grants, and FASE (Strengthening Standard) Grants only
b. See Part II C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant
applications.
Application FY 2026: Thursday, March 19, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
Deadline
Grant Duration: a. 12-24 months for Design Projects Standard Grants and
Strengthening Standard Grants
b. 36-48 months for Implementation Projects Standard Grants and
Strengthening Standard Grants
Maximum Award a. Including indirect costs: $250,000 for Design Project Standard
Amount(s): Grants and Strengthening Standard Grants
b. Including indirect costs: $650,000 for Implementation Project
Standard Grants and Strengthening Standard Grants
c. Each review cycle NIFA may award up to two grants, in any
project type combination, per lead institution
Program Area A7601@usda.gov
Priority Contact(s):
Program Area Priority:
The AWT Program Area Priority seeks to develop a workforce ready for the field as well as
industry jobs in the food and agricultural sector. Through the development of new workforce
training programs, or the expansion, improvement, or renewal of existing workforce training
programs at community, junior, and technical colleges/institutes, this program will expand job-
based experiential learning opportunities, acquisition of industry-accepted credentials and
occupational competencies for students to enable a work-ready labor force for the 21st century.
Proposals aimed towards developing baccalaureate or graduate degree programs or pathways
towards these degrees are not supported under this Program Area Priority.
In order to strengthen the capacity of Community Colleges, the AWT program is offering two
focus areas: Design and Implementation, with distinct requirements, goals, timelines, and
maximum budgets. (1) Design projects seek to support faculty and staff to design and develop
new credentialed workforce training programs that will train the workforce once the credential is
recognized by the cognizant institution. Design projects do not support nor require student
activities or training, but the development of training programs. (2) Implementation projects seek
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to train students to acquire the skills and tools necessary to secure an industry-accepted
credential and join the workforce. Implementation projects may update or expand existing
workforce training programs, but these activities are restricted to the first year of the grant; the
remaining project time must be allocated to student training. AWT applicants must design their
proposal based on the focus area that best fits their project’s goals, objectives, and timeline.
Applicants need not have applied or received a Design or Implementation project grant to be
eligible to apply or receive the other focus area award.
Design Projects must:
a. Be developed and carried out by community/junior/technical colleges or institutes with
active partnership of employers or other community partners.
b. Design and develop new workforce training programs or stackable-credential frameworks
in the food and agricultural sciences at community, junior, and technical colleges or
institutes aimed at developing a workforce ready for field and industrial jobs.
c. Describe how the project or frameworks may link high school and community college
education to enable participants to gain credentials to join, rejoin or advance in the
workforce.
d. Describe the type and relevance of the industry-accepted credential the workforce
training program will provide to intended participants.
e. Describe the type and relevance of experiential learning opportunities that will allow
participants to gain on-the-job training and exposure to work environments.
f. Provide a timeline and plan for the developed program or credential to be recognized by
cognizant institutions.
g. Articulate benefits accrued from the design project and provide evidence of a high
likelihood that quality future implementation applications will be submitted.
Implementation Projects must:
a. Provide students the skills and tools necessary to secure industry-accepted credentials to
join the workforce upon participation completion.
b. Be developed by, or in active partnership with, community/junior/technical colleges/
institutes and their industry partners. All applications to this Program Area Priority must
demonstrate committed and active partnership with and relevant to industry.
c. Expand and improve existing workforce training programs in the food and agricultural
sciences at community, junior, and technical colleges/institutes to develop a workforce
ready for field and industrial jobs.
d. Describe the type and relevance of industry-accepted credential(s) the workforce training
program will provide to participants.
e. Allocate a reasonable portion of the funds to student support, including items, such as
participant stipends, course enrollment, hands-on training, laboratory use fees, credential
testing fees, and other costs that will allow the participant to attain the credential they are
being trained for.
Non-exhaustive examples of projects include:
a. Industry-based training programs/apprenticeships allowing students to earn while they
learn;
b. Job-based, experiential learning opportunities that allow students more time working in
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job simulation or ‘on-the-job’ training environments;
c. Refreshing existing workforce development curriculum or development of stackable
credential frameworks to meet the needs of the 21st century agricultural industry;
d. Opportunities for students to utilize appropriate cutting-edge technology and advanced
data skills in their learning experiences.
Additional Information for ALL Design and Implementation projects:
a. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.
b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.
c. Application and submission information including page limits and narrative font sizes for
this Program Area Priority is available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be excluded from review and
consideration of funding.
d. Projects including curriculum development components must be led by or include key
personnel with curriculum development credentials to ensure materials produced comply
with the most appropriate pedagogy, teaching standards, and other applicable
institutional, state, and national accreditation requirements.
e. Curriculum for workforce training developed, expanded, or improved under this Program
Area Priority must lead participants to earn a technical certificate, stackable credential, 2-
year associates or technical degree or other industry accepted credential. (Certificates,
training, or coursework for/part of baccalaureate or post-graduate degrees or training are
not supported under this Program Area Priority).
f. Projects developing training programs and curriculum that provide the skills and
knowledge to acquire industry-accepted food and agriculture-supportive credentials in
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology are welcome.
g. Funds requested may include but are not limited to support for participant stipends and
travel, costs of course enrollment, personnel salaries, software, and curricula.
h. Use of 4-year undergraduate or graduate students as project staff is allowed under this
Program Area Priority as long as the requested effort support is allocable, reasonable, and
necessary for the execution of the project. Four-year undergraduate and graduate student
tuition remission costs are not allowed.
i. Projects that involve partnerships with local government, economic development
organizations, and workforce-focused nonprofit organizations are welcome.
j. Self-sustaining projects that will continue after grant funds expire, as well as those that
serve high-unemployment geographic areas, are welcome.
k. As applicable, if most project activities are taking place off-site, off-campus indirect cost
rates should be charged.
l. If organized by the program, the PD will be required to attend one NIFA AFRI EWD PD
meeting during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel expenses must be
included as part of the project budget. While budgets should account for this travel, NIFA
may consider holding virtual, or hybrid meetings.
m. Reasonable costs for evaluation and hiring of evaluation professionals may be included.
n. A Mentoring Plan (MentP) is required. For additional important details, see the AFRI
NOFO Resources webpage.
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Program Area 3. Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education (FANE)
Table 5: Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education Key Information
Title Description
Program Code: A7801
Program Code Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education
Name:
Assistance Listing 10.310
Number
Project Type(s): Extension, Education, or Integrated Projects only
Grant Type(s): a. Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard) Grants only
b. See Part II C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant
applications.
Application FY 2026: Thursday, March 19, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
Deadline
Grant Duration: 36-48 months
Maximum Award a. I ncluding indirect costs: $650,000
Amount(s):
Program Area A7801@usda.gov
Priority Contact(s):
Program Area Priority:
Major advances in agricultural productivity and rural prosperity in the past have resulted from
transformative technologies, such as breeding tools and strategies and mechanization. There are
several emerging technologies that hold a similar promise. This Program Area Priority will
support content development and activities for non-formal education to foster development of
technology-savvy youth. Projects must adopt or develop curriculum and activities to cultivate
interest and competencies in STEM and in food and agricultural sciences supported by the six
AFRI Farm Bill Priority Areas (Part I, A). Data science, including artificial intelligence,
automation, robotics, gene editing, biotechnology and other projects involving emerging
technologies will be supported in this Program Area Priority.
FANE applications must:
a. Develop curriculum and activities to increase youth’s understanding of emerging
technologies such as; artificial intelligence, data science, gene editing, biotechnology,
robotics, automation, and other innovations. Curriculum will promote the food and
agricultural enterprise by highlighting technology-based careers. Projects should prepare
youth to meet the needs of the future workforce through enhanced non-formal education
modules.
b. Develop curriculum and/or outreach materials that clearly communicate the benefits of
emerging agricultural technologies.
c. Complement and build upon programs that have successfully demonstrated youth
development strategies and outcomes (i.e., 4-H programming, Agriculture in the
Classroom, FDA’s Agricultural Biotechnology Education and Outreach Initiative, etc.).
d. Involve youth in the design, execution, and evaluation of activities that lead to the
development of consumer-friendly content that builds public confidence in the safe use of
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artificial intelligence, data science, biotechnology and other emerging technologies in
agriculture and the food system.
Additional Information:
a. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.
b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.
c. Application and submission information including page limits and narrative font sizes for
this Program Area Priority is available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
Proposals that do not comply with these instructions will be excluded from review and
consideration of funding.
d. Projects that enhance access and interest in innovative agricultural technology (e.g.,
artificial intelligence and data science, robotics and automation, gene editing,
biotechnology and other emerging technologies) in STEM education are welcome.
e. Projects that promote team, active learning, and resiliency are welcome.
f. Projects must institute an evaluation system to assess participant learning and outcomes
throughout the duration of the project. This plan must include clear metrics of success.
g. Projects should be designed for youth in K-12, however if a youth development program
serves a similar age range outside the K-12 boundaries, allowances can be made with
justification.
h. Projects that involve participation from industry and nonprofit organizations through
collaborating mentors and/or that connect education professionals to existing USDA and
Federal resources (e.g., USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, Federal
laboratories, open data resources) to enhance student outcomes in food and agricultural
sciences are welcome.
i. As applicable, if the majority of project activities take place off-site, off-campus indirect
cost rates should be charged.
j. If organized by the program, the PD will be required to attend one NIFA AFRI EWD PD
meeting during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel expenses must be
included as part of the project budget.
k. Funds requested may include but are not limited to support of participant stipends and
travel; provider personnel salaries; software; and curricula.
l. Reasonable costs for evaluation and hiring of evaluation professionals may be included.
m. A MentP is required. For additional important details, see the AFRI NOFO Resources
webpage.
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Program Area 4. Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates
Table 6: Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Key Information
Title Description
Program Code: A7401
Program Code Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates
Name:
Assistance Listing 10.310
Number
Project Type(s): Research, Extension, Education, or Integrated Projects
Grant Type(s): a. Standard Grants and FASE (Strengthening Standard) Grants only
b. See Part II § C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant
applications.
Application FY 2026: Thursday, March 19, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
Deadline
Grant Duration: a. 48 months
Maximum Award a. Including indirect costs: $650,000
Amount(s): b. Each review cycle NIFA may award up to two REEU projects per
lead institution.
Program Area A7401@usda.gov
Priority Contact(s):
Program Area Priority:
The REEU Program Area Priority promotes research and extension learning experiences for
undergraduates such that upon graduation they may enter the agricultural workforce with
exceptional skills. This initiative allows colleges and universities to provide opportunities for
undergraduate students, including those from community colleges.
Projects must provide undergraduate students with experiential learning opportunities that
include significant research, extension/outreach, and/or education components in the food and
agricultural sciences. Of interest are projects that provide experiences in innovative agricultural
technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), data science, robotics and other cutting edge
digital tools. Incorporation of mentoring opportunities for undergraduates to train K-12 students
in these areas to equip them with the foundational knowledge and skills and expose them to
educational and career pathways in AI for food and agricultural sciences is encouraged.
Non-exhaustive examples of experiential projects include:
a. Research and extension apprenticeships, internships, or similar participatory learning
within the six AFRI Farm Bill Priority Areas (Part I, A).
b. Practicums in agricultural laboratories, farms, or Cooperative Extension programs.
c. Externships in the private or public sector.
Additional Information:
a. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.
b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.
c. Application and submission information including page limits and narrative font sizes for
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this Program Area Priority are available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be excluded from review and
consideration of funding.
d. Project costs for REEU projects must be predominantly for student support, including
items such as participant stipends, housing, meals, travel, and laboratory use fees. Costs
in budget categories outside Participant Support must be modest and reasonable (and may
include justified support for the coordination of the program).
e. The budget for student stipends should reflect standard annual increases in costs-of-living
commensurate to those requested for faculty salaries.
f. Tuition for course credit and promotional items are not allowable costs in this program.
g. At least 50% of the undergraduate fellows must come from outside the host institution or
organization, particularly from small institutions where opportunities are not easily
available for these experiences.
h. Participating students could also build their skills necessary for graduate studies; explore
the opportunities available in academia, business, government, and other career paths;
and forge mentorships with professional and business leaders and faculty.
i. Applications that involve new collaborations or enhance existing partnerships with
community colleges and other institutions where limited research and extension
opportunities exist in mission-relevant STEM fields are welcome.
j. Applications that involve industry participation (e.g., through collaborating mentors)
and/or in a food and agricultural science industry setting where there is a documented
shortage of talent or lack of adequate skills preparation for the needs of the industry are
welcome.
k. Projects that will catalyze and result in the implementation of a self-sustaining model for
increased or enhanced experiential learning for an undergraduate student population at
the host and partner institutions are welcome.
l. Projects should develop a plan for tracking student outcomes, beyond their participation
in the program, that demonstrates the impacts of the program on career choices and post-
graduation employment and/or enrollment in higher education.
m. A comprehensive evaluation plan with measurable outcomes is required. For additional
important details, see the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
n. If organized by the program or the coordination network, the PD will be required to
attend one NIFA AFRI EWD PD meeting during the performance period of the award.
Reasonable travel expenses must be included as part of the project budget. While budgets
should account for this travel, NIFA may consider virtual or hybrid meetings.
o. Awarded projects are required to maintain a website, linked to a central REEU webpage
hosted by the REEU Education Coordinated Network, which describes the program,
eligibility for student participation, and application guidelines.
p. Previously awarded REEU projects that wish to continue their program, should reapply
as a new application with justified novel elements, and include a progress report detailed
in the “Related Documents” list on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage. These
applications should differ from the previously awarded applications and will be competed
with new and resubmitted applications.
q. Reasonable costs for evaluation and hiring of evaluation professionals may be included.
r. A Mentoring Plan (MentP) is required. For additional important details, see the AFRI
NOFO Resources webpage.
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Program Area 5. Predoctoral Fellowships
Table 7: Predoctoral Fellowships Key Information
Title Description
Program Code: A7101
Program Code Predoctoral Fellowships
Name:
Assistance Listing 10.310
Number
Project Type(s): Research, Education, Extension, or Integrated Projects
Grant Type(s): a. Predoctoral Fellowship Grants only
a. See Part II C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant
applications.
Application FY 2026: Thursday, April 16, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
Deadline
Grant Duration: Up to 36 months
Maximum Award a. Including institutional allowance: $180,000 total per project and
Amount(s): are limited to a total of $60,000 per year for the following:
1) Up to $35,000 per year salary or stipend
2) Up to $22,000 per year for other expenditures (e.g. tuition, fees,
fringe benefits, supplies, travel, workshops, publications, etc.)
3) Up to $3,000 per year institutional allowance, in lieu of indirect
costs which are not permitted on Predoctoral Fellowship Grants
4) With the exception of the salary or stipend, awarded funds in
other budget categories may be carried over from one year to
other years. The salary or stipend is capped at $35,000 per year
and cannot be carried over from year one to the next.
Program Area nifafellows@usda.gov
Priority Contact(s):
Program Area Priority:
The Predoctoral Fellowships Program Area Priority helps develop new scientists and
professionals to enter research, education, and/or extension fields within the food and
agricultural sciences within the private sector, government, or academia. The aim of these
fellowships is to cultivate future leaders who can solve emerging agricultural challenges of the
21st century. NIFA is particularly interested in supporting fellows that address (1) agricultural
production capability; (2) new markets for agriculture and forestry products; (3) value-added
innovation; and (4) agricultural science policy leadership.
Research, education, extension, and integrated research, education, and/or extension projects
must include all of the following:
a. Objectives that are aligned with one or more of the six AFRI Farm Bill Priority Areas (as
described in Part I, A);
b. Well-developed academic experiences;
c. Productive and interactive MentPs;
d. Appropriate and applicable training/career development activities; and
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e. Substantive evaluation plans (see the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage for additional
information).
Eligible Predoctoral Fellows – The individual predoctoral PD must be a citizen, national, or
permanent resident of the United States and, as per 7 CFR 3430.303, have advanced to
candidacy, as per institutional requirements, by:
a. Fiscal Year 2026 competition: April 16, 2026
Documentation from the graduate advisor or the institution must be provided by the application
deadline. Instructions for providing eligibility documentation can be found on the AFRI NOFO
Resources webpage. The intent of the NIFA Predoctoral Fellowship Program is to support
current doctoral students who are at the stage of conducting dissertation research, ultimately
leading to completion of the dissertation and respective terminal degree. Predoctoral students,
inclusive of those with baccalaureate or master’s degrees, who meet the above criteria, may
apply.
While the Predoctoral Fellowships Program Area Priority is a component of the AFRI Food and
Agriculture Science Enhancement (FASE) grant types, the applicant fellow need not be from, or
planning to carry out the fellowship project at, a Strengthening Grant eligible institution to be
eligible for a Predoctoral Fellowship grant.
Additional Information:
a. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.
b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.
c. Application and submission information including page limits and narrative font sizes for
this Program Area Priority is available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be excluded from review and
consideration of funding.
d. The predoctoral candidate must be the sole PD listed on the Key Personnel form of the
application. The mentor should not be listed as a Co-PD. Select “Graduate Student” for
the Predoctoral Fellowship applicant and “Other (Specify)” for the corresponding
scientific mentor(s). We highly recommend that applications be submitted through the
mentor’s institution with the mentor institution listed as the applicant.
e. At the time of the award and release of funds from NIFA to the sponsoring institution,
Fellows are required to carry out their projects on a full-time basis (i.e., 100% effort), as
specified by the sponsoring institution in accordance with its own policies.
f. The applicant must identify the functional focus of the fellowship (i.e., Research,
Education, Extension, or Integrated) leading to a doctoral degree.
g. The selection of disciplines to address an issue is to be determined by the prospective
applicant in consultation with appropriate mentors.
h. Evidence of scholastic achievement should be demonstrated through current doctoral
transcript, program of study, and/or other academic successes.
i. This Program Area Priority welcomes multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and applied
approaches that involve industry participation as appropriate.
j. Fellows are expected to build the professional skills necessary for career agility; explore
opportunities available in academia, industry, government, and other career paths; and
forge mentorships with professional and business leaders and faculty. As part of the
Fellows’ professional development, attendance at scientific or professional meetings and
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experiences in industry or at field locations aimed at the development of skills in the
applied sciences are welcome.
k. Training opportunities to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology-based
understanding, tools, and modalities into the Fellow’s professional skill set are welcome.
l. If organized by the program, the PD will be required to attend one NIFA AFRI EWD PD
meeting during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel expenses must be
included as part of the project budget. While budgets should account for this travel, NIFA
may consider virtual, or hybrid meetings.
m. Consistent with the program goal of fostering career independence, NIFA Predoctoral
Fellowships can be converted to Standard Grants under certain circumstances (e.g., if the
Fellow obtains a faculty position). One condition is that the Fellow substantively
completes at least 50% of the fellowship performance period (e.g., 12 months for a 24-
month award, 18 months for a 36-month award). Note that actual performance may occur
prior to the official award start date and must be validated by the Authorized
Representative (AR). The conversion process includes the following:
1. A letter (PDF) from the PD indicating objectives completed, funds remaining,
timeline involved, etc. Said letter must be signed by the AR.
2. A letter (PDF) from the mentor attesting to the fellowship accomplishments that
might be considered towards substantive fellowship performance (i.e.,
commencement date of actual performance, time spent on career development and
planning/training, mentoring, project planning, etc.).
3. Email both letters to the National Program Leader (Program Point of Contact on
the Notice of Award). If initially agreed upon by the National Program Leader,
additional institutional administrative processes need to take place (e.g.,
relinquishment, submission of an application, revised budget, etc.). Said processes
must be executed within the performance period of the original award. NIFA
reserves the right to approve or deny the conversion request. Note: Predoctoral
Fellowships cannot be converted into Postdoctoral Fellowships.
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Program Area 6. Postdoctoral Fellowships
Table 8: Postdoctoral Fellowships Key Information
Title Description
Program Code: A7201
Program Code Postdoctoral Fellowships
Name:
Assistance Listing 10.310
Number
Project Type(s): Research, Education, Extension, or Integrated Projects
Grant Type(s): a. Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants only
b. See Part II C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant
applications.
Application FY 2026: Thursday, April 30, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
Deadline
Grant Duration: Up to 24 months
Maximum Award a. Including institutional allowance: $244,000
Amount(s): 1) Funds must be requested primarily for salary or stipend and be
properly justified
2) Other expenditures (e.g., fringe benefits, supplies, travel,
workshops, publications, etc.) may not exceed $60,000 per year
and must be itemized and properly justified
3) Up to $3,000 per year institutional allowance, in lieu of indirect
costs which are not permitted on Postdoctoral Fellowship
Grants
Program Area nifafellows@usda.gov
Priority Contact(s):
Program Area Priority:
The Postdoctoral Fellowships Program Area Priority helps to develop new scientists and
professionals to enter research, education, and/or extension fields within the food and
agricultural sciences within the private sector, government, or academia. The aim of these
fellowships is to cultivate future leaders who can solve emerging agricultural challenges of the
21st century. NIFA is particularly interested in supporting fellows that address (1) agricultural
production capability; (2) new markets for agriculture and forestry products; (3) value-added
innovation; and (4) agricultural science policy leadership.
Research, education, extension and integrated research, education and/or extension projects must
include all of the following:
a. Objectives that are aligned with one or more of the six AFRI Farm Bill Priority Areas
(Part I, A);
b. Well-developed academic experiences and global competencies;
c. Productive and interactive mentoring;
d. Appropriate and applicable training/career development activities; and
e. Substantive evaluation plans.
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Eligible Postdoctoral Fellows – As per 7 CFR 3430.303, all doctoral degree requirements must
be satisfied by:
a. Fiscal Year 2026 competition: no earlier than January 1, 2023, and no later than January
30, 2027.
Documentation from the graduate advisor, graduate committee, or the institution must be
provided by the application deadline. Instructions for providing eligibility documentation can be
found on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage. The postdoctoral PD must be a citizen, national,
or permanent resident of the United States.
While the Postdoctoral Fellowships program area priority is a component of the AFRI Food and
Agriculture Science Enhancement (FASE) grant types, the applicant fellow need not be from or
planning to carry out the fellowship project at a Strengthening Grant eligible institution to be
eligible for a Postdoctoral Fellowship grant.
Additional Information:
a. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.
b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.
c. Application and submission information including page limits and narrative font sizes for
this Program Area Priority on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage. Proposals that do not
comply with these instructions may be excluded from review and consideration of
funding.
d. The postdoctoral scholar must be the sole PD listed on the Key Personnel form of the
application. The mentor should not be listed as a Co-PD. Select “Post-Doctoral” for the
Postdoctoral Fellowship applicant. Select “Other (Specify)” for the corresponding
scientific mentor(s). Enter “Mentor” for corresponding scientific mentor(s) in the Other
Project Role Category Field.
e. At the time of the award and release of funds from NIFA to sponsoring institution,
Fellows are required to carry out their projects on a full-time basis (i.e., 100% effort), as
specified by the sponsoring institution in accordance with its own policies.
f. Note that the Program Area Priority Additional Information identified for Predoctoral
Fellowships also applies to Postdoctoral Fellowships.
g. Although a proposed project may fit in the context of the mentor's existing scientific area,
the Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant should initiate an independent scientific program,
rather than serve as an extension of ongoing projects in the mentor's laboratory.
h. Note that postdoctoral proposals must indicate program code A7201 in the NIFA
Supplemental Information Form (application package).
i. The postdoctoral applicant, in their Project Summary/Abstract, should indicate the Farm
Bill Priority Area name (Part I, A), Program Area name, and Program Area Priority Code
from the AFRI FAS NOFO that most closely matches the topic of the proposed
postdoctoral project plan. Postdoctoral proposals will be reviewed within a respective
AFRI FAS Program Area. A table of the AFRI Foundational and Applied Science
Priority and Program Areas, along with Program Codes can be found in the AFRI FAS
NOFO. Additional information is on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage. Do not use a
FAS program code in the NIFA Supplemental Information Form, or the application is at
risk of being returned without review.
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j. This Program Area Priority welcomes multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and applied
approaches that involve industry participation as appropriate.
k. Training opportunities to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology-based
understanding, tools, and modalities into the Fellow’s professional skill set are welcome.
l. If organized, the PD will be required to attend one NIFA AFRI EWD PD meeting during
the performance period of the award. The PD is also required to attend a PD meeting of
the Foundational and Applied Science Program Area Priority with which the project is
most closely aligned during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel
expenses must be included as part of the project budget. While budgets should account
for this travel, NIFA may consider virtual, or hybrid meetings.
m. Consistent with the program goal of fostering career independence, NIFA Postdoctoral
Fellowships can be converted to Standard Grants under certain circumstances (e.g., if the
Fellow obtains a faculty position). One condition is that the Fellow substantively
completes at least 50% of the fellowship performance period (e.g., 12 months for a 24-
month award, 18 months for a 36-month award). Note that actual performance may occur
prior to the official award start date and must be validated by the Authorized
Representative (AR). The conversion process includes the following:
1. A letter (PDF) from the PD indicating objectives completed, funds remaining,
timeline involved, etc. Said letter must be signed by the AR.
2. A letter (PDF) from the mentor attesting to the fellowship accomplishments that
might be considered towards substantive fellowship performance (i.e.,
commencement date of actual performance, time spent on career development and
planning/training, mentoring, project planning, etc.).
3. Email both letters to the National Program Leader (Program Point of Contact on
the Notice of Award). If initially agreed upon by the National Program Leader,
additional institutional administrative processes need to take place (e.g.,
relinquishment, submission of an application, revised budget, etc.). Said processes
must be executed within the performance period of the original award. NIFA
reserves the right to approve or deny the conversion request.
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Program Area 7. Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants
Table 9: Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants Key Information
Title Description
Program Code: A7001
Program Code Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants
Name:
Assistance Listing 10.310
Number
Project Type(s): Research, Education, Extension, or Integrated Projects
Grant Type(s): a. Workshop and Strengthening Workshop grants only
b. See Part II, C.2 for requirements specific to Workshop grant and
FASE Grant applications.
Letter of Intent a. Required. The LOI must be submitted a minimum of 255 days
Deadline: before the workshop begins.
b. LOIs must follow the instructions in Part IV, A and be emailed to
the program contact(s) below
Application Continuous throughout the year after submission of an approved LOI.
Deadline: If invited, the full Workshop Grant application must be submitted a
minimum of 210 days before the start of the workshop.
Grant Duration: Up to 60 months
Maximum Award $50,000
Amount(s):
Program Area A7001@usda.gov
Priority Contact(s):
Workshop grant applications should focus on at least one of the four overarching goals of this
AFRI EWD Program Area:
1. Growing Agricultural Literacy and Workforce Development for the Future
2. Training or Retraining of Agricultural Workers
3. Developing Pathways for formal or non-formal experiential learning
4. Advancing Science via career development of graduate students and postdoctoral
scholars in the food and agricultural sciences
Workshop grants submitted to the EWD NOFO may encompass any project type (research,
education, extension, or integrated) but must focus on education and workforce development of
K-14 students, undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, or educators. Workshop
topics related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) related professional development for educators and
students, workforce readiness, and experiential learning are welcome. Applications for scientific
workshops that exclusively focus on disseminating the findings of fundamental or applied
research or advancing areas of science unrelated to education, workforce training, or career
development will not be accepted. Such requests should be directed to the AFRI Foundational
and Applied Science NOFO.
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Workshop grants must develop activities and programing that bring stakeholders together to
discuss, coordinate, and advance innovations supportive of food and agriculture-related
disciplines and workforce; activities should be interactive learning sessions with the goal of
producing a collaborative result. A seminar activity (lecture/presentation) with a selected speaker
is an eligible activity if it includes other engagement among workshop participants that advances
agricultural literacy.
Additional Information:
1. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.
2. Applications submitted less than 210 days before the start of the workshop will be
declined without review.
3. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.
4. NIFA will not fund workshop grants with the sole purpose of supporting travel and
subsistence to attend conferences/workshops.
5. Workshops may be held in conjunction with or complementary to other organization’s
events (conferences) but are to have their own identity and purpose. NIFA will not
support workshop grants where funds are used as sponsorship of other conferences.
6. Application and submission information, including page limits and narrative font sizes
for this Program Area Priority, are available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be excluded from review and
consideration of funding.
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PART II. AWARD INFORMATION
A. Available Funding
The anticipated amount available for the AFRI Education and Workforce Development NOFO in
FY 2026 is approximately $39,700,000. Additional projects submitted under this NOFO may be
considered should additional funding become available beyond the amount listed above. USDA
is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.
Of the total amount available to make awards for the AFRI program, no less than 30 percent will
be made available to fund integrated research, education, and extension projects. Of the AFRI
funds allocated to research activities, no less than 60 percent will be directed toward grants for
fundamental (or basic) research and 40 percent toward grants for applied research. Of the AFRI
funds allocated to fundamental research, not less than 30 percent will be directed toward research
by multidisciplinary teams. It is expected that no less than 15 percent of the funds will be made
available for Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants, and no more than two
percent of the funds available for fundamental research will be made available for Equipment
Grants (see Part II C for information about FASE Grants including Equipment Grants).
Of the amount available to support the Program Area Priorities in this NOFO, no less than
11.25% will be made available for Strengthening grant types under the FASE program.
The funds will be awarded through a grant for performance periods of up to five years. NIFA
may choose to issue a grant on a continuation basis. A continuation award is an award instrument
by which NIFA agrees to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined period of time
with a statement of intention to provide additional support at a future date, provided that
performance has been satisfactory, appropriations are available for this purpose, and continued
support would be in the best interest of the Federal government and the public. USDA is not
committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.
The Automated Standard Application for Payments, operated by the Department of Treasury,
Bureau of Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this
NOFO.
B. Application Restrictions
NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V. Application for this FY
2026 NOFO is limited to the following application types:
1. New application: New applications will be evaluated using the criteria described in Part
V and are subject to the due dates herein (see Appendix III for definition).
2. Resubmitted application: Resubmitted applications must include the one-page “Response
to Previous Review” and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein.
Resubmitted applicants must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously
submitted application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see
Appendix III for definition).
C. Project and Grant Types
The following describes the types of projects or grants that are eligible for funding:
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1. Project Types. Applicants must propose one of the AFRI project types specified within
the relevant Program Area Priority descriptions in Part I C. Only project types
specifically solicited under each Program Area Priority described in Part I C will be
considered for review. A detailed description of the project types (Research, Education,
Extension, and Integrated Research, Education, and/or Extension) available across all
AFRI NOFOs is in the “AFRI Project Types” PDF in the “Related Documents” list on
the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage. An Integrated Project includes at least two of the
three functions of the agricultural knowledge system (i.e., research, education, and
extension) within a project.
2. Grant Types. Applicants must select the appropriate AFRI grant type specified within
the relevant Program Area Priority Descriptions in Part I C. Only grant types specifically
solicited under each Program Area Priority described in Part I C will be considered for
review. A detailed description of the grant types (Standard Grants, Workshop Grants, and
FASE Grants) available across all AFRI NOFOs is in the “AFRI Grant Types” PDF in
the “Related Documents” list on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects
In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, institutions that conduct USDA-
funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear
primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and
effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an
application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through
acceptance of the award that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award
recipients must, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and
documentation to support the conduct of the training. See Responsible and Ethical Conduct of
Research for further information.
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PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
A. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for AFRI must meet all the requirements discussed in this NOFO. Failure to meet the
eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or
preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s
About Grants provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help
understand the Federal awards process.
Eligibility is linked to the project type as specified below.
1. Research, Education, or Extension Projects
Eligible applicants for single-function Research, Education or Extension Projects include:
a) State Agricultural Experiment Station;
b) colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees
or higher);
c) university research foundations;
d) other research institutions and organizations;
e) Federal agencies;
f) national laboratories;
g) private organizations or corporations;
h) individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; and
i) any group consisting of two or more entities identified in a) through h).
Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations.
2. Integrated Projects
Eligible applicants for Integrated Projects include:
a) colleges and universities;
b) 1994 Land-Grant Institutions; and
c) 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” mean an
educational institution in any state which:
a) 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;
b) is legally authorized within such state to provide a program of education
beyond secondary education;
c) provides an educational program for which a bachelor’s degree or any other
higher degree is awarded;
d) is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
e) 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.
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3. Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement Grants
Part II, C.2 contains the eligibility details for Food and Agricultural Science
Enhancement (FASE) Grants. Note that under FASE opportunity, only Strengthening
Standard, Predoctoral Fellowship Grants, Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants, and
Strengthening Workshop are solicited in this NOFO.
Applicants must respond to the Program Area Priorities and deadlines found in Part I, C.
Grant recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such
organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Failure to meet an eligibility
criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from
consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from
making an award (see Part III, B).
USDA will not accept competitive applications for grants and cooperative agreements submitted
for due dates after June 20, 2025, and/or research and development (R&D) contract proposals
submitted to solicitations issued after June 20, 2025, for dangerous gain-of-function research, as
defined in Section 8 of E.O. 14292.
Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – submission of duplicate or predominantly overlapping
applications is not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits
multiple applications that are duplicative or substantially overlapping to NIFA programs
within the same fiscal year.
B. Request for Determination of Status
1. Strengthening Grant Eligibility
If an institution is applying for a Strengthening Grant under the FASE program refer to
the “AFRI Grant Types” PDF in the Related Documents list on the AFRI NOFO
Resources webpage).
2. Multi-Campus Institution
All institutions grouped under one main campus as listed in Table 1 following Appendix
III, unless located in an Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
(EPSCoR) state (listed in Part II, C.2), are excluded from eligibility for all strengthening
funds. However, if any campus within a multi-campus listing can provide information
demonstrating that it is administratively independent or has an independent accreditation,
then the institution may petition for an exemption to this rule and request eligibility for
strengthening funds. The LOI (if required) and the application must include a letter
indicating how the institution is independent of the main campus, either through
accreditation or administration, how the institution is eligible for a Strengthening Grant,
and total Federal funds received for science and engineering research and development.
The letter must be signed by the Authorized Representative (AR).
C. Cost Sharing or Matching
Applicants MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal
funds awarded under AFRI for applied research grants unless a waiver applies. Matching funds
requirements for AFRI programs included in this NOFO may be found at 7 U.S.C. 3157 (b)(9)
(A-C).
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For Applied Research Grants:
Match Required –If an applied Research (see Appendix III) Project or Integrated Project with an
applied research component, is commodity-specific and not of national scope, the grant recipient
is required to match the USDA funds awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal
sources with cash and/or in-kind contributions. (7 U.S.C. 3157(9)C)
1. Match not required – If the applied research or integrated project with an applied research
component is not commodity specific or is national in scope, then no match is required.
D. Centers of Excellence
Pursuant to Section 7214 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5926), NIFA will recognize
and prioritize Center of Excellence (COE) applicants that carry out research, extension, and
education activities that relate to the food and agricultural sciences. A COE is composed of one
or more of the following entities that provide financial or in-kind support to the COE.
1. State agricultural experiment stations.
2. Colleges and universities.
3. University research foundations.
4. Other research institutions and organizations.
5. Federal agencies.
6. National laboratories.
7. Private organizations, foundations, or corporations.
8. Individuals; or
9. Any group consisting of two or more of the entities described in (1) through (8).
COE designation is available only for the Standard Grant and the Coordinated Agricultural
Project (CAP) Grant applications submitted to the Program Area Priorities in the Education
and Workforce Development, Foundational and Applied Science, and Sustainable Agricultural
Systems NOFOs. If applicable, Part IV, C, of the NOFO contains additional requirements for
COE consideration.
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PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION
A. Letter of Intent
A Letter of Intent is only required for Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants
(A7001) workshop grants and must be submitted 255 days prior to the start of the workshop. For
detailed guidance on LOI submission, see “AFRI Letter of Intent Instructions” in the “Related
Documents” list on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
B. Method of Application
Applicants must apply to this NOFO electronically; no other method or response is accepted.
The electronic application for this NOFO and additional resources are available on Grants.gov
and Grants 101. Table 10 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part
III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the
Grants.gov registration process. The NIFA Grants Application Guide is contained in the specific
funding opportunity package or a sample of the guide can be found here. When applying for a
NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific
funding opportunity application package.
Table 10: Steps to Obtain Application Materials
Steps Action
Step One: Register New Users to Grants.gov must register early with Grants.gov prior to
submitting an application (Register Here).
Step Two: Download and Install Adobe Reader (see Adobe Software Compatibility
Download Adobe for basic system requirements).
Step Three: Find Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011596,
Application search for application here: Opportunity Package.
Step Four: Assess Contact an AR prior to starting an application to assess the organization’s
Readiness readiness to submit an electronic application.
Table 11: Help and Resources
Grants.gov Support NIFA Support
Grants.gov Online Support Email:
Telephone support: 800-518-4726 Toll-Free or 606- grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
545-5035
Email support: support@grants.gov Business hours: Monday thru Friday,
Self-service customer-based support: Grants.gov 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except Federal
iPortal holidays
Customer service business Hours 24/7, except
Federal holidays.
C. Content and Form of the Application
The NIFA Grants Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this
NOFO. The NOFO overrides the NIFA Grants Application Guide if there is a discrepancy
between the two documents. Applicants that do not meet the application requirements, to include
partial applications, risk being excluded from NIFA’s review. NIFA will assign a proposal
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number to all applications that meet the requirements of this NOFO. Applicants must refer to the
proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Table 12 outlines other key instructions for
applicants.
Table 12: Key Application Instructions
Instruction References
(All references are to the NIFA Grants
Application Guide)
Attachments must be in a portable document Part IV
format (PDF) format.
Check the manifest of submitted files to verify Part IV
attachments are in the correct format.
Conduct an administrative review of the Part IV
application before submission.
Follow the submission instructions. Part IV
Provide an accurate email address, where Part V
designated, on the SF-424 R&R.
Contact the Grants.gov helpdesk for technical N/A
support and keep a record of the
correspondence.
Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive N/A
correspondence from NIFA regarding an
application within 30 days of the application
deadline.
AFRI Specific Application Instructions. Application and submission information including
page limits and narrative font sizes for AFRI Education and Workforce Development NOFO
applications are available in the “FY 2026 AFRI Education and Workforce Development NOFO
Additional Information for Part IV, C” in the “Related Documents” list on the AFRI NOFO
Resources webpage.
We recommend that you conduct an administrative review of the application before submission
of it via Grants.gov to ensure that it complies with all preparation instructions. An application
checklist is included in Part VII of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide to assist with this
review.
You should check the application for completeness. The application should be checked for the
following required items, which must include:
1. Project Summary/Abstract
2. Project Narrative.
3. Bibliography & References Cited
4. Logic Model for Integrated Projects (if applicable)
5. Management Plan for Integrated Projects (if applicable)
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6. Data Management Plan
7. Mentoring Plan (if not included within the project narrative).
8. Facilities & Other Resources
9. Curriculum Vitae
10. Conflict of Interest Lists
11. Current and Pending Support
12. Budget
13. Budget Justification
This is not an exhaustive list of required items; it only serves to highlight items that may be
overlooked. Failure to include any of the three critical required documents of Project
Summary/Abstract, Project Narrative, or Bibliography & References Cited sections as
PDF attachment will result in the application not being reviewed or considered for funding
by NIFA.
We send email correspondence to the AR regarding the status of submitted applications. We
strongly encourage you to provide accurate email addresses, where designated, on the SF-424
R&R Application for Federal Assistance.
If the AR has not received correspondence from NIFA regarding a submitted application within
30 days of the established deadline, contact the Program Contact identified in Part I, C and
request the proposal number assigned to the application. Failure to do so may result in the
application not being considered for funding by the peer review panel. Once the
application has been assigned a proposal number, you should cite this number on all future
correspondence.
D. Funding Restrictions
Federal Indirect Costs (IDC) not to exceed 30 percent of total Federal funds awarded
(TFFA). Section 1462(a) and (c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310(a) and (c)) limits IDC for the overall award to 30 percent of
Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA) under a research, education, or extension grant. The
maximum IDC rate allowed under the award is determined by calculating the amount of IDC
using:
1. the sum of an institution’s negotiated IDC rate and the IDC rate charged by sub-
awardees, if any; or
2. 30 percent of TFFA.
The maximum allowable IDC rate under the award, including the IDC charged by the sub-
awardee(s), if any, is the lesser of the two rates above.
If the result of number one above is the lesser of the two rates, the grant recipient is allowed to
charge the negotiated IDC rate on the prime award and the sub-award(s), if any. Any sub-awards
would be subject to the sub-awardee’s negotiated IDC rate. The sub-awardee may charge its
negotiated IDC rate on its portion of the award, provided the sum of the IDC rate charged under
the award by the prime awardee and the sub-awardee(s) does not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.
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If number two above is the lesser of the two rates, then the maximum IDC rate allowed for the
overall award, including any sub-award(s), is limited to 30 percent of the TFFA. That is, the IDC
of the prime awardee plus the sum of the IDC charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, may not
exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.
In the event of an award, the prime awardee is responsible for ensuring the maximum IDC
allowed for the award is not exceeded when combining IDC for the Federal portion (i.e., prime
and sub-awardee(s)) and any applicable cost-sharing. Amounts exceeding the maximum
allowable IDC are considered unallowable. See sections 408 and 410 of 2 CFR 200.
If the applicant does not have a negotiated rate, and NIFA is the cognizant agency, the applicant
must calculate an IDC rate in order to request IDC. Applicants are not required to complete the
IDC package during the application process. Applicants need only to calculate an IDC rate to
serve as a basis for requesting IDC, please see National Institute of Food and Agriculture
(usda.gov) for additional resources. If awarded, the applicant will be required to submit a
complete IDC proposal package to obtain a negotiated rate.
Organizations that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, may also elect
the De Minimis rate (2 CFR 200.414). The Uniform Guidance offers the option of electing to
charge a de Minimis rate of 15 percent of modified total indirect costs (MTDC) which may be
used indefinitely. As described above and in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be charged consistently
as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both.
If elected, this methodology must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a
non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which it may do at any time.
See NIFA Indirect Costs for information including additional resources and NIFA Indirect Cost
Guidance Chart.
Successful applicants must not use grant funds awarded under the authority of this NOFO for the
construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration
of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement, and architect fees).
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PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process
NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, we screen each application to
ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in this NOFO. All administrative
requirements must be met in order for the application to proceed to the next level of review.
Second, a scientific peer-review process will be used to technically evaluate applications that
have met the administrative requirements using a review panel (see NIFA Peer Review
Process).
Scientific Peer Review Process:
NIFA selects reviewers for the review panel based upon their training and experience in
relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors:
1. The level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, or extension experience of
the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant
research, education, or extension activities.
2. The need to include experts from various areas of specialization within relevant
scientific, education, or extension fields.
3. The need to include other experts (e.g., agricultural producers, range or forest
managers/operators, researchers, educators, evaluators, and consumers) who can assess
relevance of the applications to audiences and to program needs.
4. The need to include experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges,
universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, and private profit and non-profit
organizations) and geographic locations.
5. The need to maintain a balanced composition with regard to the reviewer’s area of
expertise, geographic area, and entity type, as appropriate.
6. The need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness of each
application to producers and the general public.
After each peer review panel has completed its deliberations, the responsible program staff of
NIFA will recommend that your project is either approved for support from currently available
funds or declined due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.
NIFA reserves the right to negotiate with the PD/PI and/or the submitting organization or
institution regarding project revisions (e.g., reductions in the scope of work, funding level,
period, or method of support) prior to recommending any project for funding.
After the review process has been completed, NIFA sends copies of reviews, not including the
identity of reviewers, and a summary (if applicable) of the review panel comments to the PD.
Conflicts of interest. NIFA takes extreme care to prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of
interest that may influence the review or evaluation (see NIFA Peer Review Process for
Competitive Grant Applications).
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B. Evaluation Criteria
NIFA will use the following criteria to evaluate applications to these programs:
A reviewer’s written evaluation entails two levels of assessment. First, the reviewer summarizes
how well the application addressed each evaluation criterion. After the application has been
assessed for strengths and weaknesses of each criterion, the reviewer then evaluates the overall
likelihood that the project will have significant outcome and impact. The written reviews are
used to begin panel discussions with other reviewers serving on the peer review panel. Through
these discussions, peer review panelists come to consensus on the final ranking of the
applications. A complete description of NIFA’s peer review process can be found on the NIFA
Peer Review Process for Competitive Grant Applications page.
Detailed evaluation criteria for each project type, grant type, and centers of excellence are found
in the “AFRI Review Criteria” PDF in the “Related Documents” list on the AFRI NOFO
Resources webpage. We will use the appropriate evaluation criteria to review applications
submitted in response to this NOFO.
C. Centers of Excellence
In addition to evaluating applicants using the criterion listed in Part V, B of this NOFO, NIFA
will use the COE standards described in this NOFO to evaluate applicants that rank highly
meritorious and requested to be considered as a COE. In instances where applicants are found to
be equally meritorious with the application of a non-COE applicant, NIFA will prioritize the
COE applicant meeting the COE criteria. NIFA will effectively use the COE prioritization as a
“tie breaker.” Applicants that rank highly meritorious but who did not request consideration as a
COE or who are not deemed to have met the COE standards may still receive funding.
Applicants that meet the COE requirements will have the COE designation in their notice of
award. Entities recognized as COE will maintain that distinction for the duration of their period
of performance or as identified in the terms and conditions of that award.
D. Organizational Management Information
Applicants must submit specific management information prior to an award and update the
information as needed. Applicants may only need to provide an update if there was a change in
previously provided information under this or another NIFA program. NIFA provides the
requisite forms during the pre-award process. Although an applicant may be eligible for award
under this program, there are factors that may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal
financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or
suspension of an individual, or a determination that an applicant is not responsible).
E. Application Disposition
Applicants may withdraw at any time before NIFA makes a final funding decision. NIFA will
retain all applications, including withdrawn applications and unfunded applications.
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PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION
A. General
Within the limit of funds authorized, the NIFA awarding official will make grants to responsible
and eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set
forth in this NOFO. The date specified by the NIFA awarding official as the effective date of the
grant must be no later than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project is
approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, unless otherwise permitted by
law. The project need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as
practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded project period. All funds granted
by NIFA under this NOFO may be used only for the purpose for which they are granted in
accordance with the approved application and budget, regulations, terms and conditions of the
award, applicable Federal cost principles, USDA assistance regulations, and NIFA General
Awards Administration Provisions, 7 CFR Part 3430, subparts A through E.
Award Notice. The award document will provide pertinent instructions and information as
described in 2 CFR 200.211 (see NIFA’s Terms and Conditions).
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications and the projects outlined in
this NOFO (some are listed here: Federal Regulations). Unless specifically noted by statue or
award-specific requirements, NIFA Federal Assistance Policy Guide applies to all NIFA awards.
C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
Output and reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions. If there are
any program or award-specific award terms, they will be identified in the Award Notice.
Additional requirements on expected performance goals, indicators, and targets may be required
as a condition of an award issued per this NOFO.
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PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION
A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget
Delegation of fiscal responsibility. Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise,
awardees may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another person, institution, or
organization the responsibility for use or expenditure of award funds.
Changes in Budget or Project Plans. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.308, awardees must request
prior approval from NIFA for the following program or budget-related reasons (the awardee is
subject to the terms and conditions identified in the award):
1. Change in the scope or the objective of the project or program without prior written
approval (even if there is no associated budget revision required).
2. Change in a key person specified in the application or the Federal award.
3. Disengagement from the project for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in
time devoted to the project.
4. Inclusion of costs that require prior approval in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E
(Cost Principles), or 2 CFR Part 300 Appendix IX, (Principles for Determining Costs
Applicable to Research and Development under Awards and Contracts with Hospitals),
or 48 CFR, unless waived by the Federal awarding agency, 48 CFR Part 31, Contract
Cost Principles and Procedures;
5. Transfer of funds budgeted for participant support costs to other categories of expense
(2 CFR 200.456 Participant support costs);
6. Sub-awarding, transferring or contracting out of any work under a Federal award,
including fixed amount sub-awards (see 2 CFR 200.333, Fixed Amount Sub-awards),
unless described in the application and funded in the approved Federal awards. This
provision does not apply to the acquisition of supplies, material, equipment, or general
support services.
7. Changes in the approved cost-sharing or matching provided by the non-Federal entity;
and
8. The need for additional Federal funds to complete the project.
9. Transferring funds between the construction and non-construction work under a Federal
award.
10. A no-cost extension (meaning, an extension of time that does not require the obligation of
additional Federal funds) of the period of performance, other than any one-time extension
authorized by the Federal agency in accordance with paragraph 2 CFR 200.308(g)(2). All
requests for no-cost extensions should be submitted at least 10 calendar days before the
conclusion of the period of performance. The Federal agency may approve multiple no-
cost extensions under a Federal award if not prohibited by Federal statute or regulation.
11. Salary rates of pay exceeding an Executive Level IV salary range (see “Rates of Pay for
the Executive Schedule” under the “Executive & Senior Level Employee Pay Tables”
header at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/) require
prior NIFA approval. This rate does not include any fringe benefits, general and
administrative (G&A), overhead, or other expenses. Requests for approval must include
the salary rate of pay and a justification for the rate and be sent to the Authorized
Departmental Officer (ADO) to awards@usda.gov.
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12. No more than 50 percent of the total dollars of this award may be subcontracted to
another party(ies) without prior written approval of the ADO, except subcontracts to
Federal agencies.
B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of NIFA transaction records, which
are available to the public. Information that the Secretary of Agriculture determines to be
confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature will be held in confidence to the extent
permitted by law. Therefore, applicants should clearly mark any information within the
application they wish to have considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary. NIFA will
retain a copy of an application that does not result in an award for three years. Such an
application will be released only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by
law. An applicant may withdraw at any time prior to the final action thereon.
C. Regulatory Information
This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires
intergovernmental consultation with state and local officials. Under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the collection of information
requirements contained in this notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-
0039.
D. Language Access Services
NIFA offers language access services, such as interpretation and translation of vital information,
free of charge. If you need interpretation or translation services, please visit NIFA Language
Access Services or contact Lois Tuttle, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov or
(443) 386-9488.
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APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT
AFRI Program Office E-mail: AFRI@usda.gov
Specific questions pertaining to technical matters may be directed to the appropriate Program
Area Priority Contacts:
Program Area Priority Contacts
Program Area Priority Program Area Priority Contacts
Professional Development for A7501@usda.gov
Agricultural Literacy (A7501) Grants
Agricultural Workforce Training A7601@usda.gov
(A7601) Grants
Food and Agricultural Non-formal A7801@usda.gov
Education (A7801)
Research and Extension Experiences A7401@usda.gov
for Undergraduates (A7401)
Predoctoral Fellowships (A7101) nifafellows@usda.gov
Postdoctoral Fellowships (A7201) nifafellows@usda.gov
Education and Workforce For LOIs, A7001@usda.gov
Development Workshop Grants
(A7001)
For administrative questions related to
1. Grants.gov, see Part IV
2. Other NOFO or application questions, please email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
3. Awards under this NOFO, please email awards@usda.gov
U.S. Postal Mailing Address:
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 419205, MS 10000
Kansas City, MO 64141-6205
Courier/Package Delivery Address:
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
2312 East Bannister Road, MS 10000
Kansas City, MO 64141-3061
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APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Glossary of Terms
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – AFRI
Assistance Listing Number – ALN
Authorized Departmental Officer – ADO
Authorized Representative – AR
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 – AREERA
Coordinated Agricultural Project – CAP
Centers of Excellence – COE
Data Management Plan – DMP
Education and Workforce Development – EWD
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research – EPSCoR
Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement - FASE
Indirect costs – IDC
Mentoring Plan – MentP
Management Plan - MP
National Institute of Food and Agriculture – NIFA
Notice of Funding Opportunity – NOFO
Research, Education, and Economics – REE
United States Department of Agriculture – USDA
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APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS
Refer to 7 CFR 3430 Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal Assistance
Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions for additional definitions.
Terms Definitions
Applied Research Research that includes expansion of the findings of
fundamental research to uncover practical ways in which
new knowledge can be advanced to benefit individuals and
society.
Continuation Award An award instrument by which NIFA agrees to support a
specified level of effort for a predetermined period of time
with a statement of intention to provide additional support
at a future date, provided that performance has been
satisfactory, appropriations are available for this purpose,
and continued support would be in the best interest of the
Federal government and the public.
Co-Investigator Co-Investigators (CI) are Senior or Key Personnel
including collaborators or cooperators who are responsible
for achieving specific objectives within the project. They
have the same status as a Co-Project Directors in terms of
contribution to the project, but they can’t assume the
responsibilities of the Project Director. The budget
associated with CIs should be listed under the Senior or
Key Personnel budget lines.
Co-Project Director A Co-Project Director (Co-PD) is someone who could
assume the Project Director’s (PD) responsibilities if the
PD steps out of that role prior to the completion of the
project term. Co-PDs on an application are presumed to be
approved by the lead institution. Note that NIFA makes
awards to institutions, not individuals. Therefore, Co-PDs
ideally should serve at the same institution as the PD.
Team members responsible for achieving specific
objectives should be listed as Co-Investigators.
International partners are ineligible to serve as PD or Co-
PD and should be listed as Co-Investigator.
Education Activity Education activity or teaching activity means formal
classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, and
practicum experience in the food and agricultural sciences
and other related matters such as faculty development,
student recruitment and services, curriculum development,
instructional materials and equipment, and innovative
teaching methodologies.
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Terms Definitions
Established Program to EPSCoR is a list of eligible states that are eligible for
Stimulate Competitive USDA EPSCoR funding which is determined every year
Research by NIFA. This list includes states having a funding level
no higher than the 38th percentile of all States based on a
3-year rolling average of AFRI funding levels, excluding
FASE Strengthening funds. The current list is included in
the “AFRI Grant Types” PDF in the “Related Documents”
list on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.
Extension Activity Extension activity means an act or process that delivers
science-based knowledge and informal educational
programs to people, enabling them to make practical
decisions.
Food and Agricultural Science FASE Grants mean funding awarded to eligible applicants
Enhancement Grants to strengthen science capabilities of Project Directors, to
help institutions develop competitive scientific programs,
and to attract new scientists into careers in high-priority
areas of National need in agriculture, and food sciences.
FASE awards may apply to any of the three agricultural
knowledge components (i.e., research, education, and
extension). FASE awards include Pre- and Postdoctoral
Fellowships, New Investigator grants, and Strengthening
grants.
Fundamental Research Fundamental research means research that (i) increases
knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of
phenomena and has the potential for broad application;
and (ii) has an effect on agriculture, food, or nutrition.
Limited Institutional Success Limited institutional success means institutions that are
not among the most successful universities and colleges
for receiving Federal funds for science and engineering
research. A list of successful institutions is provided in the
“Table 2 Least Successful Institutions” PDF in the
“Related Documents” list on the AFRI NOFO Resources
webpage.
Matching The process through which a grant recipient match
awarded USDA funds with cash and in-kind contributions
on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The matching funds must
derive from non-Federal sources.
Multidisciplinary Project A project on which investigators from two or more
disciplines collaborate to address a common problem.
These collaborations, where appropriate, may integrate the
biological, physical, chemical, or social sciences.
New Application An application not previously submitted to a program.
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Terms Definitions
Project Director The PD is legally responsible for management, progress,
and completion of the project and for ensuring that project
funds are used to accomplish project objectives. The PD
submits reports to NIFA periodically and communicates
with the National Program Leader. PD has also been
historically known as Principal Investigator.
Renewal Application A project application that seeks additional funding for a
project beyond the period that was approved in an original
or amended award.
Resubmitted Application A project application that was previously submitted to a
program, but the application was not funded.
Resubmitted Renewal A project application that requests additional funding for a
Application project beyond the period that was approved in the original
award. This is an application that had previously been
submitted for renewal to but not funded.
Strengthening Grants Funds awarded to institutions eligible for FASE Grants to
enhance institutional capacity, with the goal of leading to
future funding in the project area, as well as strengthening
the competitiveness of the investigator’s research,
education, and/or extension activities. Strengthening
grants consist of Standard, Coordinated Agricultural
Project, and Workshop Grant types as well as Seed Grants,
Equipment Grants, and Sabbatical Grants.
Transdisciplinary Team A team composed of investigators from multiple
disciplines that cross boundaries using holistic approaches
to address complex challenges that cannot be solved using
single-disciplinary approaches.
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APPENDIX IV: OTHER AFRI RESOURCES
AFRI program information is available on the NIFA AFRI website. The following are among
the materials available:
1. Notice of Funding Opportunities
2. AFRI Annual Review
3. Frequently Asked Questions
4. Interagency Programs
5. AFRI NOFO Resources
a. Most Successful Universities and Colleges. Any institution listed on this list, Most
Successful Universities and Colleges Receiving Federals Funds, is not eligible for
Strengthening Grants from the FASE program unless they are located in an EPSCoR
state. See “Table 1 Most Successful Institutions” in the “Related Documents” list.
b. Lowest One Third of Universities and Colleges Receiving Federal Funds. The
lowest one third of universities and colleges receiving Federal funds is used to
determine eligibility for possible waiver of matching funds requirement for
Equipment Grants (see “Table 2 Least Successful Institutions” in the “Related
Documents” list).
c. Flow Chart for Strengthening Grant Eligibility. The Flow Chart for Strengthening
Grant Eligibility will help to determine your eligibility to apply for strengthening
grants (see “Strengthening Eligibility Decision Tree” in the “Related Documents”
list).
6. AFRI Deadlines
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