Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Education and Workforce Development (EWD)

Funding Opportunity | U.S. Department of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Education and Workforce Development (AFRI-EWD) program supports the development of the next generation of professionals in food, agricultural, natural resources, and human sciences. Through research, education, extension, and workforce training, this program aims to strengthen agricultural innovation and build a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Program Overview

AFRI–EWD funds projects that enhance training and career development across the agriculture and food sectors. NIFA invites applications that support:

• Professional development for K–14 educators
• Non-formal youth education to grow early interest in food and agricultural sciences
• Workforce training programs at community, junior, and technical colleges
• Undergraduate research and extension training
• Predoctoral fellowships
• Postdoctoral fellowships
• Workshops focused on education and workforce development

The initiative promotes hands-on learning, skills development, career pathway exposure, and research excellence for emerging agricultural professionals.

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Accessibility Support

• Reasonable accommodation: Requests must be submitted to the program’s Information Contact at least 10 days before the deadline.
• Language access: Interpretation and translation services are available at no cost through NIFA Language Access Services, requested 10 days before the deadline.

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Eligibility

Eligibility varies by project type, but may include:

• 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-Grant Institutions
• Hispanic-Serving Institutions
• State-controlled institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
• For-profit organizations
• Small businesses
• Native American Tribal organizations
• Individuals (U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents)
• Federal agencies, national laboratories, and research organizations

Some restrictions apply, especially for integrated projects. Applicants must consult Part III, A of the AFRI EWD RFA for full eligibility details.

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Funding Details

• Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011596
• Assistance Listing Number: 10.310
• Estimated Total Funding: $39,700,000
• Award Range: $10,000 – $650,000
• Expected Number of Awards: ~245
• Cost Sharing/Matching: Required (details in NOFO)

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Key Dates

• Posted: January 20, 2026
• Closing Date: December 31, 2026
• Archive Date: January 30, 2027

Applications must be submitted electronically.

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How to Apply

Applicants must:

1. Review the full AFRI Education and Workforce Development (EWD) RFA
2. Prepare application materials according to NOFO guidelines
3. Submit electronically through the designated grants portal

Full Opportunity & Application Materials: Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Education and Workforce Development

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Program Contact Information

• General inquiries: AFRI Coordination Team
• Technical access issues: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
  • Business hours: Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. ET (excluding federal holidays)

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