USDA AFRI Education and Workforce Development Grants Now Open

Applications for Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program – Education and Workforce Development is now open. This grants is under The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA–NIFA).

This major funding opportunity supports projects that strengthen the pipeline of future professionals in the food and agricultural sciences, with a focus on education, training, and workforce capacity building across the United States.

With an estimated $39.7 million available and up to 245 awards anticipated, this program offers substantial support for institutions and organizations advancing agricultural education, research training, and professional development.

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Funding Overview

• Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011596
• Funding Instrument: Grant
• Expected Number of Awards: 245
• Estimated Total Funding: $39,700,000
• Award Ceiling: $650,000
• Award Floor: $10,000
• Cost Sharing: Required
• Posted: January 20, 2026
• Application Deadline: December 31, 2026
• Archive Date: January 30, 2027

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Program Focus Areas

The AFRI Education and Workforce Development program is designed to prepare the next generation of agricultural researchers, educators, and extension professionals. NIFA seeks proposals that support:

1. Professional development for K–14 educators
2. Non-formal youth education in food and agriculture
3. Workforce training at community, junior, and technical colleges
4. Undergraduate research and extension training
5. Predoctoral fellowships
6. Postdoctoral fellowships
7. Education and workforce development workshop grants

Projects should align with AFRI’s program priorities and demonstrate strong potential for long-term impact.

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Eligibility

Eligibility depends on the type of project proposed.

Research, Education, or Extension Projects

Eligible applicants include:

• State Agricultural Experiment Stations
• Colleges and universities
• University research foundations
• Other research institutions
• Federal agencies
• National laboratories
• Private organizations or corporations
• U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
• Consortia of two or more eligible entities

Foreign and international organizations are not eligible to apply directly.

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Integrated Projects

Eligible applicants include:

• Colleges and universities
• 1994 Land-Grant Institutions
• Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities

Institutions must meet accreditation and nonprofit requirements as defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

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Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants

FASE grants under this call include:

• Strengthening Standard Grants
• Predoctoral Fellowship Grants
• Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants
• Strengthening Workshop Grants

Applicants must follow the eligibility requirements outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

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Important Notes

• Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria by the application deadline.
• Subcontracting to ineligible organizations is permitted when necessary to carry out the project.
• USDA will not accept proposals involving dangerous gain-of-function research beyond June 20, 2025, as defined under Executive Order 14292.

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How to Learn More or Apply

Full details and application instructions are available through the official AFRI Education and Workforce Development listing:

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Education and Workforce Development

For technical assistance or application questions, contact:

NIFA Support
Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
Business hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET (excluding federal holidays)

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The USDA–NIFA AFRI Education and Workforce Development program offers significant grant funding to strengthen agricultural education and workforce training in the United States. With awards ranging from $10,000 to $650,000 and applications open until December 31, 2026, this opportunity is ideal for eligible universities, research institutions, and organizations seeking to develop the next generation of food and agriculture professionals.

For more opportunities, click here.