- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) 2024 request for proposals:
Research and Education Grant Program:
This grant program involves scientists, agricultural producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to advance sustainable agriculture at local and regional levels. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social- and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be documented in scholarly journals and disseminated throughout teaching and educational outreach activities with students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Pre-Proposals Due: May 23, 2024 4pm PT
Full Proposals due November 2 by invite only
Maximum Request Amount: $350,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Professional Development Grant Program
Professional Development projects must improve the ability of agricultural professionals to conduct educational programs and activities in sustainable agriculture principles and systems and to respond to inquiries on the subject from farmers, ranchers, and the public. In a “train the trainer” fashion, this program focuses on increasing knowledge and capacity for agricultural stakeholders to provide further training and information to other agricultural professionals and producers.
Full Proposals due: November 6, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $100,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Professional + Producer Grant Program
Western SARE funds proposals of innovative research and educational outreach for advancing sustainable agricultural practices in the Western U.S. An Agricultural Professional and three (3) Producers work together to conduct both research and education activities. The goal of this grant program is to obtain results that are applicable to agricultural production, sustain and improve the environmental quality and natural resources upon which agriculture depends, improve the profitability of farmers/ranchers, and enhance the quality of life of agricultural communities.
Project Team: Western SARE requires that agricultural producers be involved from inception to finish in the planning, design, implementation, and educational outreach of any WSARE funded project keeping in mind the inherently interdisciplinary nature of sustainable agriculture. Professional + Producer projects require a team of at least four (4) people, including an Agricultural Professional (Principal Investigator), and at least three (3) independent Producers.
Full Proposals due: October 22, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $85,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Farmer/Rancher Grant Program
The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program focuses on advancing on-farm sustainability solutions by funding innovative producer-driven research and outreach. With a Farmer/Rancher Grant, an agricultural producer serving as the main applicant and Principal Investigator (PI) works with a Technical Advisor (TA) to develop a project.
Full Proposals due: October 23, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $25,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Sabbatical Research and Education Grant Program
Western SARE funds proposals of innovative research and educational outreach for advancing sustainable agriculture in the Western U.S. Sabbatical projects must contain both research and education components by bringing together a team of local partners (researchers, students, educators, and producers) along with a Sabbatical researcher to develop research, education, and human capacity at the Sabbatical Host Institution. Sabbatical grants must address local research and education needs with special emphasis on underserved communities, understudied geographic locations, and/or unexplored topics. The goal of this grant program is to obtain results that are applicable to agricultural production, sustain and improve the environmental quality and natural resources upon which agriculture depends, improve the profitability of agricultural producers, and enhance the quality of life of agricultural communities.
Full Proposals due: November 21, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $75,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Research to Grassroots Grant Program
The Research to Grassroots (RGR) grant program is built on the SARE concept that results of applied research are used to train agricultural professionals and farmers/ranchers in the latest practices of sustainable agriculture. Successful proposals must incorporate the research results from SARE-funded research projects and bring those results into the field through education for ag professionals and producers, emphasizing the strengths and barriers to adoption of the selected previous work, ultimately helping to increase producer confidence in adopting sustainable agriculture practices.
Full Proposals due: November 1, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $100,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)
- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
The California Apple Commission has released their 2024 request for proposals for research.
CAC Research Priorities for 2024-2025
- Methods of increasing varietal size [Gala]
- Mechanical harvesting for fresh apples
- Packing house automation techniques
- Mechanical pruning
- Thinning methods
- Fire Blight management
- GPS Fresh Apple Acreage Mapping
- Frost detection/prevention technology
- Development of Apple Varieties well suited for California conditions
- Any other topic related to cost reduction/increasing the effectiveness of California apple production.
Applications Due: June 3, 2024
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/396665.pdf
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)
- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is soliciting proposals for their Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development (EWD) program which addresses projected shortfalls of qualified graduates in the agricultural, food, and renewable natural resources sectors of the U.S. economy (Employment Opportunities for College Graduates). This RFA 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.
There are six AFRI 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;
6. Agriculture economics and rural communities
The programs and deadlines under this RFA are summarized as follows:
Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy; Program Code: A7501
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 four-year institutions.
Applications Due: September 12, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $500,000
Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges (AWT); Program Code: A7601
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.
Applications Due: September 19, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $250,000 for Design Projects and $650,000 for Implementation Projects
Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education (FANE); Program Code: A7801
Major advances in agricultural productivity and rural prosperity in the past have resulted from transformative technologies, such as breeding tools and strategies, mechanization, and prudent use of agrochemicals. 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 Farm Bill Priority areas of AFRI. Data science, including artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, gene editing, biotechnology and other projects involving emerging technologies will be supported in this Program Area Priority.
Applications Due: December 5, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $750,000
Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU); Program Code: A7401
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 underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups, minority-serving institutions, community colleges, and universities.
Applications Due: August 15, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $750,000
Predoctoral Fellowships; Program Code: A7101
The Predoctoral Fellowships Program Area Priority help 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) sustainable agricultural intensification; (2) agricultural climate adaptation; (3) food and nutrition translation; (4) value-added innovation; and (5) agricultural science policy leadership.
Applications Due: October 24, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $180,000
Postdoctoral Fellowships; Program Code: A7201
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) sustainable agricultural intensification; (2) agricultural climate adaptation; (3) food and nutrition translation; (4) value-added innovation; and (5) agricultural science policy leadership.
Applications Due: September 5, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $225,000
For all program codes, match is 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.
Please see the RFA for specific details https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agriculture-food-research-initiative-education-workforce-development
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)
- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
CalFire is soliciting proposals for their Urban and Community Forestry Grants program. The mission of this program is to advance the development of sustainable and accessible urban and community forests in California. CAL FIRE envisions urban and community forests that are healthy, extensive, and well-managed, providing a wide array of optimal benefits to all Californians. Grant Types include 1) Urban Forest Expansion and Improvement; 2) Urban forest Management Activities; 3) Urban Forestry and Education Workforce Development; 4) Urban Forestry Regional or Statewide Impact; 5) Urban Forest Equity Capacity Building. Note: applications are closed for the Green Schoolyards grants per sponsor's website.
Visit the program web page at https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/urban-and-community-forestry-grants for more information on this funding opportunity.
Applications Due: May 30, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $1,500,000.
The Native American Agriculture Funds is soliciting proposals thatsupport planning activities to regionalize/localize food systems supporting Native communities; economic analysis to determine impacts to and solutions for the food system as a result of national disruptions; resiliency and contingency planning for emergency/disaster situations; response plans for coordinated food production and distribution; intertribal agriculture infrastructure planning projects; and other projects aiming to boost Native food systems. NAAF strongly believes in the importance of Tribal food sovereignty which increases and improves Tribal authority over its food system, from farm to fork.
Programs Open to Educational Institutions*
- Special Focus Areas: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices provides support for climate and regenerative agricultural practices and disaster mitigation. Funding in this area will be allocated towards re-grants, direct support, technical assistance, and education. Additionally, this funding can be used to assist producers or communities affected by climate-related disasters, both natural and manmade, that impact their engagement in agricultural or community food system work.
- General Focus: Business Assistance, Agricultural Education, Technical Support and/or Advocacy Services provides support for food and agriculture-related classroom training, classroom education programs, agriculture programs and/or professional or certificate programs in ag law, veterinary, engineering, or related areas; scholarships; curriculum development; and applied research in topics important to the success of Native farmers and ranchers, including career technical training.
- Youth Programming: provides support for youth engagement in agriculture through activities including, but not limited to, classroom activities, community youth gardens, 4-H, youth food summits, participation in training programs.
*Educational organizations that are not recognized as Native-serving institutions must provide clear evidence as to their history of serving Native farmers and ranchers by discussing their experience in providing business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, or advocacy services to and for Native farmers and ranchers.
Visit the program web page at https://nativeamericanagriculturefund.org/2024-rfa/ for more information on this funding opportunity.
Applications Due: May 1, 2024
Grant Amount: request capped at $150,000 or $200,000 dependent upon program.
Match: encouraged but not required
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)
- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is soliciting proposals for their Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) program which provides funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences. The long-term purpose of the SAS is to help transform the U.S. food and agricultural system to increase agricultural production while also reducing its environmental footprint. Achieving these goals will require transdisciplinary approaches to address current and future food and agricultural challenges within the context of the economic, societal, and environmental attributes of sustainability.
Visit the program web page at https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agriculture-food-research-initiative-sustainable-agricultural-systems for more information on this funding opportunity.
Applications Due: June 6, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $10,000,000.
Required Match: 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.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is soliciting proposals for their Local Food Promotion Program, Farmers Market Promotion Program, and Regional Food System Partnerships program.
Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) supports the development, coordination, and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on:
• Supporting the processing, aggregation, distribution, and storage of local and regional food products that are marketed locally or regionally, including value-added agricultural products;
• Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products;
• Assisting with business development plans and feasibility studies;
• Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products;
• Facilitating regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development;
• Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;
• Responding to changing technology needs in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing; and
• Covering expenses related to cost incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.
Visit the program web page at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp for more information on this funding opportunity.
Applications Due: May 14, 2024
Grant Amount: Planning projects: $25,000 to $100,000; implementation projects: $100,000 to $500,000. Turnkey Marketing/Promotion and Recruitment/Training projects: $50,000 and $100,000.
Required Match: 25% match
Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on:
• Supporting and promoting domestic direct producer-to-consumer (including direct producer-to-retail, direct producer-to-restaurant, and direct producer-to-institutional marketing) marketing such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism activities, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, or online sales;
• Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products;
• Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products;
• Facilitating regional food chain coordination development;
• Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;
• Responding to changing technology needs in direct producer-to-consumer marketing; and
• Covering expenses related to costs incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.
Visit the program web page at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fmpp for more information on this funding opportunity.
Applications Due: May 14, 2024
Grant Amount: Capacity Building projects: $50,000 to $250,000; Community Development Training and Technical Assistance projects: $100,000 to $500,000; Turnkey Marketing/Promotion projects and Recruitment/Training projects: $50,000 and $100,000.
Required Match: 25% match
Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) program:
Eligibility Note: ANR is ineligible to be a lead applicant on a 2024 application as we have an active RFSP award.
RFSP supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The RFSP focuses on building and strengthening the viability and resilience of the local or regional food economy. Applicants must partner to promote the development of local or regional food systems. Applicants will coordinate efforts within the partnership to set priorities, connect resources and services, and measure progress towards common goals.
Partnerships receiving a grant may:
• Determine the size and scope of the local or regional food system in which the project's goals, outreach objectives, and eligible activities are to be carried out.
• Coordinate with AMS to receive technical assistance; and
• Conduct outreach and education for potential participation in the partnership agreement and eligible activities.
Visit the program web page at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsp for more information on this funding opportunity.
Applications Due: May 14, 2024
Grant Amount: $100,000 to $1,000,000
Required Match: 25% cash match
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)