USDA NIFA Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program
USDA NIFA is accepting pre-applications for the FY 2026 Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (ECDRE). The program supports integrated research and Extension projects that deliver practical, grower-focused solutions for Huanglongbing (HLB), the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), and related threats to U.S. citrus production.
Program Priorities
Proposals must address one or more of the following priorities, listed in order of importance:
- HLB-resistant or tolerant commercial citrus varieties
- Regional management or eradication of ACP
- Improved ACP and HLB detection and surveillance
- Treatments for infected trees and strategies to maintain productivity
- Delivery systems for therapeutics, nutrition, and other HLB solutions
- Screening and prioritization of promising intervention targets
- A reliable method for culturing Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus
- Greater understanding of the HLB-vector-citrus pathosystem
- Greater understanding of citrus production ecology and the HLB-ACP disease complex
Projects must integrate research and Extension and translate results into actionable recommendations, products, or other solutions for citrus growers.
Project Types and Funding
- Standard Projects: Targeted problem-solving projects focused on implementing or commercializing proven solutions or examining innovative ideas.
- Coordinated Agricultural Projects: Large, national-scale projects involving coordinated, multi-state or multi-institutional research and Extension teams.
Pre-Application Requirements
Pre-applications require a three-page, 1.5-spaced Stakeholder Relevance Statement summarizing the project type, funding request, industry significance, deliverables, stakeholder involvement, approach, and team experience. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals using the same project objectives.
Key Details
- Award size and duration
- Standard Projects: Up to $1.5 M for projects lasting 24–36 months
- Coordinated Agricultural Projects: Up to $15 M for projects lasting 36–60 month
Matching Requirements
A 1:1 non-federal match is required but may be waived for broadly applicable research or scientifically important work involving a minor commodity.
- Pre-Application Deadline: Due through Grants.gov by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 2, 2026. Full proposals by invite only.
Additional Information: Visit the USDA NIFA ECDRE program page and the ECDRE Notice of Funding Opportunity
California Avocado Commission Fall 2026 Research Program
The California Avocado Commission (CAC) is accepting pre-proposals for research projects addressing its avocado production research priorities. Preference will be given to proposals addressing high-priority topics that have not previously received CAC funding.
Research Priorities
- Cultural Methods: Updated production cost studies; practices used by consistently high-yielding growers; leaching requirements for modern rootstocks and different water sources; nitrogen planning and nitrate credits; and applications of soil-health research to avocado production
- Irrigation: Economic analysis of small-farm irrigation automation and practices or technologies to mitigate chloride impacts
- Pest Research: Avocado lace bug management; fruit fly non-host data for GEM, Lamb Hass, and other varieties; and an updated avocado thrips degree-day model
- Agricultural Chemical Research: Avocado thrips and persea mite management; resistance management for Phytophthora controls; and chemical and cultural management of avocado branch canker
The solicitation also identifies additional topics of interest within each research area.
Pre-Proposal Requirements
Pre-proposals may not exceed five pages and must summarize the research priority, project team, rationale, objectives, deliverables, methods, timeline, milestones, estimated budget, and relevant avocado research experience.
Key Details
- Award size: no maximum is specified. Current annual awards range from approximately $5,500 to $243,700, with a median of $56,000.
- Matching Requirements: none
- Pre-Proposal Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on September 30, 2026.
Additional Information: View the California Avocado Commission Fall 2026 RFP