Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development
USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development
Federal
Grant Funding
Multiple
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development (EWD) focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) requests applications for the AFRI’s Education and Workforce Development program areas to support:
professional development opportunities for K-14 educational professionals;
non-formal education that cultivates food and agricultural interest in youth;
workforce training at community, junior, and technical colleges;
training of undergraduate students in research and extension;
fellowships for predoctoral candidates;
fellowships for postdoctoral scholars; and
education and workforce development workshop grants.
Next funding deadline
Rolling deadline
Timing Notes
1. Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy (A7501): Thursday, March 19, 2026
2. Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges (A7601): Thursday, March 19, 2026
3. Food and Agricultural Non-formal Education (A7801): Thursday, March 19, 2026
4. Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (A7401): Thursday, March 19, 2026
5. Predoctoral Fellowships (A7101): Thursday, April 16, 2026
6. Postdoctoral Fellowships (A7201): Thursday, April 30, 2026
7. Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants (A7001): Continuous throughout the year but at least 210 days before the start of the workshop and upon invitation after submission of a Letter of Intent at least 255 days before the workshop begins.
Max Award Amount
No max defined
Cost share/match Required
Yes - Applicants MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under AFRI for applied research grants unless a waiver applies.
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Applicants MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under AFRI for applied research grants unless a waiver applies.
Eligible applicants
Public/State-Controlled Institution of Higher Education
Other
Eligibile Geographies
US
Eligibility Notes
Eligible applicants for single-function Research, Education or Extension Projects include: a) State Agricultural Experiment Station; b) colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher); c) university research foundations; d) other research institutions and organizations; e) Federal agencies; f) national laboratories; g) private organizations or corporations; h) individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; and i) any group consisting of two or more entities identified in a) through h).
Eligible applicants for Integrated Projects include: a) colleges and universities; b) 1994 Land-Grant Institutions; and c) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities