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)