Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Grants: Funding Research, Innovation, and Workforce Development in Global Agriculture

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) is the flagship competitive grants program for agricultural sciences administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It funds research, education programs, and extension initiatives to address challenges in global agriculture, food systems, and rural development. AFRI represents a major federal investment in agricultural science with multiple priority areas to advance productivity, sustainability, and workforce development.

Estimated Total Funding: $39,700,000; Award Range: $10,000 – $650,000

Eligibility varies by project type, but may include 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-Grant Institutions; nonprofits; for-profit organizations; small businesses; Native American Tribal organizations; individuals (U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents); federal agencies, national laboratories, and research organizations.

Review the AFRI EWD NOFO, prepare application materials according to guidelines, and submit electronically through the grants portal.