AFRI Strengthening Agricultural Systems Funding Opportunity

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Strengthening Agricultural Systems

Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Assistance Listings: 10.310 -- Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)

Last Updated: March 23, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov

Description

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

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

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

b. Solutions to Pests and Diseases of Plants or Animals

c. Combating Food and Diet-Related Chronic Diseases

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

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

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Miscellaneous

• Other

Additional information

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

Description

NIFA Support Email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays

Email

If you have questions about preparing application content, contact grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Documents

Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| FY26-AFRI-SAS-NOFO-P.pdf | FY2026 - Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Strengthening Agricultural Systems - NOFO | Jan 29, 2026 03:41 PM UTC |

Link to additional information

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Strengthening Agricultural Systems

Closing: April 23, 2026

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. View on Grants.gov

Award

$140,000,000

Program Funding

18

Expected awards

$1,000,000

Award Minimum

$10,000,000

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011677

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

Yes Funding instrument type:

Grant

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

-- Category of Funding Activity:

Agriculture

Category Explanation:

--

History

Version:

3

Posted date:

January 29, 2026

Archive date:

April 25, 2026