NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program

Education and Workforce Development

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Varies by Program Area Priority (see Part I, C)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Varies by Program Area Priority (see Part I, C)

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $39,700,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011596

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.310

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number: The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development (EWD) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.310.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, on the DATE 2026 deadline dates indicated in Part I, C Letter of Intent: Only required for A7001, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, on the LOI deadline dates indicated in Part I § C.7 Applicants Comments: Within six months from the issuance of this notice

(NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

Table 2: Program Area Priorities and Deadlines Program Area Priority 2026 Review Cycle Deadlines1

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.

1 All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to the extent permitted by law, will no longer make grants or otherwise fund programs or activities that improperly discriminate on the basis of race or sex, including discrimination in the name of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies. Instead, USDA will prioritize merit and efficiency. USDA recognizes programs and initiatives will have the greatest impact when these programs and initiatives put American farmers, ranchers, and foresters first by:

• solving the most pressing challenges they face;

• protecting America’s food, fuel, and fiber supply to enhance national security;

• supporting production of healthy and safe food for consumers;

• expanding and developing domestic markets;

• training the next generation of agriculturalists; and

• fueling innovation to keep American farmers at the forefront of productivity.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to advancing these principles and encourages applicants to actively engage farmers, ranchers, and foresters when applying for funding opportunities to ensure relevancy and adherence to them. NIFA also encourages agricultural leaders to engage in the peer review panel process to ensure American producers are better served through research, education, and extension activities.

Stakeholder Input. NIFA seeks comments on all Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service. NIFA considers comments to the extent possible when developing NOFOs, and uses comments to help meet the requirements of (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov. Please use the following subject line: Response to the AFRI Education and Workforce Development NOFO.

Centers of Excellence. Applicants are encouraged to visit NIFA’s Centers of Excellence (COE) webpage for information on the COE designation process, including COE criteria, and a list of programs offering COE opportunities. A recording of COE outreach and COE implementation webinars are also available.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true mailto:Policy@usda.gov https://nifa.usda.gov/centers-excellence

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This notice identifies the objectives for AFRI EWD program projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions.

The anticipated amount available for new grants for the deadlines in this NOFO is approximately $39.7 million in AFRI funding. Additional projects submitted under this NOFO may be considered should funding become available beyond the amount listed above.

The AFRI is America’s flagship competitive grants program that provides funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences. In 2026, NIFA requests applications for the AFRI’s EWD program area priorities to support:

1. professional development opportunities for K-14 educational professionals;

2. non-formal education that cultivates food and agricultural interest in youth;

3. workforce training at community, junior, and technical colleges;

4. training of undergraduate students in research and extension;

5. fellowships for predoctoral candidates;

6. fellowships for postdoctoral scholars; and

7. education and workforce development workshop grants.

This NOFO solicits Standard Grants and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants, whereas project types solicited in this NOFO are Research, Education, Extension, and Integrated Research, Education, and/or Extension projects. Grant types and project types solicited vary by program area priority, and not all grant types are solicited within each program area priority. See Part I, C for grant and project types solicited by each specific program area priority and Part II, C for a description of each individual grant type and project type.

Applications from and collaborations with institutions eligible for Strengthening Grants are welcome. More information is available on the AFRI FASE and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) page.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-fase-epscor-program https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-fase-epscor-program

2026 UPDATES

1. A Mentoring Plan (MentP) is now required for all AFRI grant applications solicited in this NOFO (excluding workshop grants) for projects that involve any type of education, training or mentoring of students or other individuals including high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, professional degree students, postdoctoral scholars, other professionals or any other individual receiving any type of formal, or non-formal training on the proposed project. For additional important details, see the “FY 2026 AFRI Education and Workforce Development NOFO Additional Information for Part IV, C” on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.

2. Year-round Workshop Grant applications are accepted after submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), see Part I § C for more information. The LOI must be submitted a minimum of 255 days before the start of the workshop. The full Workshop Grant application must be submitted a minimum of 210 days before the start of the workshop.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2026 UPDATES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities C. Program Area Description

Program Area

1. Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy Program Area 2. Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges Program Area 3. Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education (FANE) Program Area 4. Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Program Area 5. Predoctoral Fellowships Program Area 6. Postdoctoral Fellowships Program Area 7. Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding B. Application Restrictions C. Project and Grant Types D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Request for Determination of Status C. Cost Sharing or Matching D. Centers of Excellence

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Letter of Intent B. Method of Application C. Content and Form of the Application D. Funding Restrictions

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process B. Evaluation Criteria C. Centers of Excellence D. Organizational Management Information E. Application Disposition

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards C. Regulatory Information D. Language Access Services

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

APPENDIX IV: OTHER AFRI RESOURCES

TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION

Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Program Area Priorities and Deadlines Table 3: Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy Key Information Table 4: Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges Key Information Table 5: Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education Key Information Table 6: Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Key Information Table 7: Predoctoral Fellowships Key Information Table 8: Postdoctoral Fellowships Key Information Table 9: Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants Key Information Table 10: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 11: Help and Resources Table 12: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 2(b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (hereafter referred to as the Act) (7 U.S.C. 3157), as amended, authorizes the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), a competitive grant program, to provide funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension to address food and agricultural sciences in the following six 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; and

6. Agriculture economics and rural communities.

To the maximum extent practicable, NIFA, in coordination with the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (REE), will make grants for high priority research, education, and extension, taking into consideration, when available, the determinations made by the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB) pursuant to the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.

3157). The Secretary delegates the authority to the Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics in 7 CFR 2.21, and the Under Secretary delegates that authority to NIFA in 7 CFR 2.66.

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of AFRI (listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.310) is to support research, education, and extension projects that will help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other agricultural producers address key problems of local, regional, and national importance in sustaining food and agricultural systems. These include farm and ranch production efficiency, profitability, and sustainability; domestic biofuels and bio-based products; forestry; aquaculture;

rural communities and entrepreneurship; human nutrition; mitigating impacts of biotic and abiotic constraints on food production; food safety; prevention of agricultural pests and diseases, and genetic improvement of plants and animals. In addition, the economic sustainability of food systems is an overarching priority for the projects funded in response to this NOFO; therefore, projects focusing on plant or animal species or commodities that are important to small- or medium-sized farms or ranches are also welcome. Through this support, AFRI advances knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture. Additionally, AFRI supports work in education and extension activities that deliver science-based knowledge to end users, allowing them to make informed, practical decisions. This AFRI EWD NOFO provides funding for research-only, education-only, extension-only, and/or integrated research, education, and/or extension projects addressing the six priorities identified in Part I, A. Each Program Area Priority within this NOFO may offer all or some of these project types.

Addressing agricultural challenges requires research, education, extension, and integrated programs in concert with science-based approaches that increase the production capability of agriculture and natural resources.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3157%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3157)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3157%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3157)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3157%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3157)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fb71e0bdd8201139683f371c33f35d70&mc=true&node=se7.1.2_121&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-2.66 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-2.66

Background AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grants portfolio for food and agricultural sciences, and funding is offered through the Foundational and Applied Science (FAS), Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS), and Education and Workforce Development (EWD) NOFOs for addressing critical societal issues.

The Program Area Priorities in this NOFO address the following legislatively-authorized sub-priorities:

A. Plant Health and Production and Plant Products;

B. Animal Health and Production and Animal Products;

C. Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health;

D. Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment;

E. Agriculture Systems and Technology; and F. Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities.

C. Program Area Description

The Program Area Priorities in this NOFO address projected shortfalls of qualified graduates in the agricultural, food, forestry, range, and energy resources sectors of the U.S. economy (Employment Opportunities for College Graduates). Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), preparing them to thrive in an increasingly digital society or support educators with tools and training needed not only train students about AI, but also to utilize AI in their classrooms to improve educational outcomes. Projects may create training programs that equip participants with essential skills and competencies across the respective program area priority learning pathways. This NOFO 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. The AFRI EWD Program Area Priorities have four overarching goals:

1. Growing Agricultural Literacy and Workforce Development for the Future offers institutional grants to provide K-14 teachers and administrators with increased knowledge of the food and agricultural sciences and help them develop improved curricula to train the agricultural workforce for the future. See Part I, C.1 “Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy” (Program Code A7501).

2. Training or Retraining of Agricultural Workers provides institutional training grants to develop a technology- and data-savvy workforce ready for the field and industrial jobs. See Part I, C.2 for “Agricultural Workforce Training Grants at Community Colleges” (Program Code A7601).

3. Developing Pathways provides formal or non-formal education and experiential learning for students to enter or gain skills applicable to the food and agriculture fields. This NOFO seeks to support the development of non-formal education activities that cultivate interest and build public confidence in the safe and enhanced use of technology in food and agricultural sciences. See Part I, C.3 for “Food and Agricultural Non-formal Education” (Program Code A7801). This NOFO also offers grants that propose formal experiential learning for undergraduates in food, agriculture, or allied disciplines and helps them learn the technical and leadership https://www.purdue.edu/usda/employment/ skills required for employment in the food and agricultural sectors or for graduate programs. See Part I C.4 for “Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates” (Program Code A7401).

4. Advancing Science supports graduate and post-graduate education in food and agriculture disciplines. See Part I C.5 and Part I C.6 for “Predoctoral Fellowships” (Program Code A7101) and “Postdoctoral Fellowships” (Program Code A7201), respectively.

Total AFRI EWD Program Funds – Approximately $39.7 million. Additional projects submitted under this NOFO will be considered should funding become available beyond the amount indicated above.

Key Information Applicable to all AFRI EWD Program Area Priorities:

1. All applications must adhere to the requirements in Part IV.

2. All applications to the AFRI EWD Program Area must be aligned with at least one of the six AFRI Farm Bill Priority Areas (Part I, A) and must address the Program Area Priorities described subsequently.

3. All AFRI EWD projects are required to provide opportunities for development of leadership skills which are necessary for preparing project participants for agriculture-related careers in the private sector, government, and academia. Projects must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component through competencies, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication skills, and training in ethics and professionalism.

4. The AFRI EWD Program Area Priorities anticipate funding projects with measurable outcomes/objectives. These may include but are not limited to: 1) number and duration of students and participants that are supported directly or undertaking internships, externships, certifications, and other experiential learning opportunities; 2) number of K- 14 teachers, educational professionals, and/or students who indirectly benefit from the projects; 3) number of international experiences that promote American leadership in innovation and ingenuity; 4) number of publications, patents, and workshops; 5) quality of developed curricula materials, or academic programs; 6) success of recruitment and retention programs; 7) quality of collaborations developed among institutions; 8) measurable changes in student learning or engagement; and 9) measurable changes in the number of graduates in food and agricultural science disciplines.

5. Applications that include study abroad or collaborations with international mentors must also include a description of how that experiential learning will directly benefit U.S. food and agriculture production systems; improve agricultural education and teaching, as well as promote American leadership in innovation and ingenuity as described in this Notice of Funding Opportunities.

6. A MentP is now required for all AFRI grant applications (excluding workshop grants) for projects that involve any type of education, training or mentoring of students or other individuals including high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, professional degree students, postdoctoral scholars, other professionals or any other individual receiving any type of formal, or non-formal training on the proposed project.

For additional important details, see the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage. For https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships, please consult the specific Program Area Priority’s narrative guidance for MentP requirements.

Applications are solicited in the following seven Program Area Priorities:

1. Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy (PDAL)

2. Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges (AWT)

3. Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education (FANE)

4. Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU)

5. Predoctoral Fellowships

6. Postdoctoral Fellowships

7. Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants

For a program informational webinar please visit the NIFA calendar for dates, event registration, and link. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the informational webinars listed, please contact the event host listed no later than 10 days prior to the event.

https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

Program Area 1. Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy

Table 3: Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy Key Information

Title Description Program Code: A7501

Program Code Name: Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy Assistance Listing Number 10.310

Project Type(s): Education, Extension, or Integrated Projects only Grant Type(s): a. Standard Grants and FASE (Strengthening Standard)

Grants only

b. See Part II, C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant applications.

Application Deadline FY 2026: Thursday, March 19, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern

Time)

Grant Duration: 36-48 months Maximum Award

Amount(s):

a. Including indirect costs: $500,000

b. A minimum of 50% of project direct costs requested must be for participant support.

c. Each review cycle NIFA may award up to two grants per lead institution.

Program Area Priority

Contact(s):

A7501@usda.gov

Program Area Priority:

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 two- and four-year institutions.

Education, Extension, or Integrated Projects must:

a. Promote faculty expertise and encourage widespread implementation of educational innovation at K-14 levels in the food and agricultural sciences. This includes topics that contain elements of the human sciences (e.g., disciplines that address issues challenging individuals, youth, families, and communities).

b. Provide immersive learning experiences (e.g., teacher hands-on research, teacher experiential learning), curriculum development and implementation, and teaching training for K-14 education professionals (e.g., teachers, counselors, administrators) and post-baccalaureate pre-service teachers to create and replicate best practices to improve student success outcomes within the food and agricultural sciences.

1) Projects including curriculum development components must be led by or include key personnel with curriculum development credentials to ensure materials produced comply with the most appropriate pedagogy, teaching standards, and other applicable institutional, state, and national accreditation requirements.

2) For the purposes of this Program Area Priority, immersive learning experiences refer mailto:A7501@USDA.gov to those activities that allow the participant (i.e., K-14 education professionals) to learn by doing and participating in meaningful experiences. After being presented with a problem, participants research, try, solve, and reflect on the process allowing them to apply the lesson more broadly to their classroom, teaching, and lives.

c. Non-exhaustive examples of projects include:

1) Developing self-sustaining models for professional development that better prepare education professionals to provide outstanding teaching, guidance, institutional structures, etc., that enhance student outcomes in the food and agricultural sciences.

2) Changing instructional approaches to effectively identify skill gaps and address conceptual areas particularly challenging to students.

3) Integrating innovations in science and pedagogy into existing professional development programs (e.g., through hands-on research and extension experiences with partner institutions and laboratories).

4) Exploring self-sustaining web-based approaches for professional development for education professionals.

5) Adapting curricula to train or retrain agricultural workforce for the future.

6) Other methods to fill the existing gap of professional development in advanced food and agricultural sciences for education professionals at the K-14 education level.

Additional Information:

a. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.

b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.

c. Application and submission information, including page limits and narrative font sizes, for this Program Area Priority is available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.

Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be excluded from review and consideration of funding.

d. A minimum of 50% of project direct costs for PDAL projects must be for participant support, including items such as participant stipends, cost of subsistence (housing, meals) and dependent care for immersive experiences, reasonable travel, classroom materials and teaching kits, and laboratory use fees. Participant support costs included in subawards may count towards the 50% minimum.

e. Use of undergraduate or graduate students as project staff is allowed under this Program Area Priority as long as the requested effort support is allocable, reasonable, and necessary for the execution of the project. Undergraduate and graduate student tuition remission costs are not allowed.

f. Projects that create educator training opportunities that help effectively integrate Artificial Intelligence-based understanding, tools, and modalities into classrooms and curriculum focused on food and agricultural sciences are welcome.

g. Projects in elementary and middle school education settings are welcome.

h. Projects integrating participant interpersonal skill development activities and training for effective in-person and/or virtual teaching are welcome.

i. Projects that involve participation from industry and nonprofit organizations through collaborating mentors and/or that connect education professionals to existing USDA and Federal resources (e.g., USDA Agricultural Research Service, USDA Forest Service, other Federal laboratories, open data resources) to enhance student outcomes in the food and agricultural sciences are welcome.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources

j. As applicable, if the majority of project activities are taking place off-site, off-campus indirect cost rates should be charged.

k. If organized by the Program Area Priority, the PD will be required to attend one NIFA AFRI EWD PD meeting during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel expenses must be included as part of the project budget. While budgets should account for this travel, NIFA may consider virtual, or hybrid meetings.

l. Reasonable costs for evaluation and hiring of evaluation professionals may be included.

m. A MentP is required. For additional important details, see the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources

Program Area 2. Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges

Table 4: Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges Key Information

Title Description Program Code: A7601 Program Code

Name:

Agricultural Workforce Training Grants

Assistance Listing Number:

10.310

Project Type(s): Education Projects only

a. Education Projects only for Standard Grants and Strengthening

Standard Grants Grant Type(s): a. Standard Grants, and FASE (Strengthening Standard) Grants only

b. See Part II C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant applications.

Application Deadline

FY 2026: Thursday, March 19, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)

Grant Duration: a. 12-24 months for Design Projects Standard Grants and Strengthening Standard Grants

b. 36-48 months for Implementation Projects Standard Grants and Strengthening Standard Grants

Maximum Award Amount(s):

a. Including indirect costs: $250,000 for Design Project Standard Grants and Strengthening Standard Grants

b. Including indirect costs: $650,000 for Implementation Project Standard Grants and Strengthening Standard Grants

c. Each review cycle NIFA may award up to two grants, in any project type combination, per lead institution

Program Area Priority Contact(s):

A7601@usda.gov

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.

In order to strengthen the capacity of Community Colleges, the AWT program is offering two focus areas: Design and Implementation, with distinct requirements, goals, timelines, and maximum budgets. (1) Design projects seek to support faculty and staff to design and develop new credentialed workforce training programs that will train the workforce once the credential is recognized by the cognizant institution. Design projects do not support nor require student activities or training, but the development of training programs. (2) Implementation projects seek mailto:A7601@USDA.gov to train students to acquire the skills and tools necessary to secure an industry-accepted credential and join the workforce. Implementation projects may update or expand existing workforce training programs, but these activities are restricted to the first year of the grant; the remaining project time must be allocated to student training. AWT applicants must design their proposal based on the focus area that best fits their project’s goals, objectives, and timeline.

Applicants need not have applied or received a Design or Implementation project grant to be eligible to apply or receive the other focus area award.

Design Projects must:

a. Be developed and carried out by community/junior/technical colleges or institutes with active partnership of employers or other community partners.

b. Design and develop new workforce training programs or stackable-credential frameworks in the food and agricultural sciences at community, junior, and technical colleges or institutes aimed at developing a workforce ready for field and industrial jobs.

c. Describe how the project or frameworks may link high school and community college education to enable participants to gain credentials to join, rejoin or advance in the workforce.

d. Describe the type and relevance of the industry-accepted credential the workforce training program will provide to intended participants.

e. Describe the type and relevance of experiential learning opportunities that will allow participants to gain on-the-job training and exposure to work environments.

f. Provide a timeline and plan for the developed program or credential to be recognized by cognizant institutions.

g. Articulate benefits accrued from the design project and provide evidence of a high likelihood that quality future implementation applications will be submitted.

Implementation Projects must:

a. Provide students the skills and tools necessary to secure industry-accepted credentials to join the workforce upon participation completion.

b. Be developed by, or in active partnership with, community/junior/technical colleges/ institutes and their industry partners. All applications to this Program Area Priority must demonstrate committed and active partnership with and relevant to industry.

c. Expand and improve existing workforce training programs in the food and agricultural sciences at community, junior, and technical colleges/institutes to develop a workforce ready for field and industrial jobs.

d. Describe the type and relevance of industry-accepted credential(s) the workforce training program will provide to participants.

e. Allocate a reasonable portion of the funds to student support, including items, such as participant stipends, course enrollment, hands-on training, laboratory use fees, credential testing fees, and other costs that will allow the participant to attain the credential they are being trained for.

Non-exhaustive examples of projects include:

a. Industry-based training programs/apprenticeships allowing students to earn while they learn;

b. Job-based, experiential learning opportunities that allow students more time working in job simulation or ‘on-the-job’ training environments;

c. Refreshing existing workforce development curriculum or development of stackable credential frameworks to meet the needs of the 21st century agricultural industry;

d. Opportunities for students to utilize appropriate cutting-edge technology and advanced data skills in their learning experiences.

Additional Information for ALL Design and Implementation projects:

a. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.

b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.

c. Application and submission information including page limits and narrative font sizes for this Program Area Priority is available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.

Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be excluded from review and consideration of funding.

d. Projects including curriculum development components must be led by or include key personnel with curriculum development credentials to ensure materials produced comply with the most appropriate pedagogy, teaching standards, and other applicable institutional, state, and national accreditation requirements.

e. Curriculum for workforce training developed, expanded, or improved under this Program Area Priority must lead participants to earn a technical certificate, stackable credential, 2-year associates or technical degree or other industry accepted credential. (Certificates, training, or coursework for/part of baccalaureate or post-graduate degrees or training are not supported under this Program Area Priority).

f. Projects developing training programs and curriculum that provide the skills and knowledge to acquire industry-accepted food and agriculture-supportive credentials in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology are welcome.

g. Funds requested may include but are not limited to support for participant stipends and travel, costs of course enrollment, personnel salaries, software, and curricula.

h. Use of 4-year undergraduate or graduate students as project staff is allowed under this Program Area Priority as long as the requested effort support is allocable, reasonable, and necessary for the execution of the project. Four-year undergraduate and graduate student tuition remission costs are not allowed.

i. Projects that involve partnerships with local government, economic development organizations, and workforce-focused nonprofit organizations are welcome.

j. Self-sustaining projects that will continue after grant funds expire, as well as those that serve high-unemployment geographic areas, are welcome.

k. As applicable, if most project activities are taking place off-site, off-campus indirect cost rates should be charged.

l. If organized by the program, the PD will be required to attend one NIFA AFRI EWD PD meeting during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel expenses must be included as part of the project budget. While budgets should account for this travel, NIFA may consider holding virtual, or hybrid meetings.

m. Reasonable costs for evaluation and hiring of evaluation professionals may be included.

n. A Mentoring Plan (MentP) is required. For additional important details, see the AFRI

NOFO Resources webpage.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources

Program Area 3. Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education (FANE)

Table 5: Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education Key Information

Title Description Program Code: A7801 Program Code

Name:

Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education

Assistance Listing Number

10.310

Project Type(s): Extension, Education, or Integrated Projects only Grant Type(s): a. Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard) Grants only

b. See Part II C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant applications.

Application

Grant Duration: 36-48 months

Amount(s):

a. Including indirect costs: $650,000

Program Area

A7801@usda.gov

Major advances in agricultural productivity and rural prosperity in the past have resulted from transformative technologies, such as breeding tools and strategies and mechanization. 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 AFRI Farm Bill Priority Areas (Part I, A). Data science, including artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, gene editing, biotechnology and other projects involving emerging technologies will be supported in this Program Area Priority.

FANE applications must:

a. Develop curriculum and activities to increase youth’s understanding of emerging technologies such as; artificial intelligence, data science, gene editing, biotechnology, robotics, automation, and other innovations. Curriculum will promote the food and agricultural enterprise by highlighting technology-based careers. Projects should prepare youth to meet the needs of the future workforce through enhanced non-formal education modules.

b. Develop curriculum and/or outreach materials that clearly communicate the benefits of emerging agricultural technologies.

c. Complement and build upon programs that have successfully demonstrated youth development strategies and outcomes (i.e., 4-H programming, Agriculture in the Classroom, FDA’s Agricultural Biotechnology Education and Outreach Initiative, etc.).

d. Involve youth in the design, execution, and evaluation of activities that lead to the development of consumer-friendly content that builds public confidence in the safe use of mailto:A7801@USDA.gov artificial intelligence, data science, biotechnology and other emerging technologies in agriculture and the food system.

Additional Information:

a. Requests exceeding budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.

b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.

c. Application and submission information including page limits and narrative font sizes for this Program Area Priority is available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.

Proposals that do not comply with these instructions will be excluded from review and consideration of funding.

d. Projects that enhance access and interest in innovative agricultural technology (e.g., artificial intelligence and data science, robotics and automation, gene editing, biotechnology and other emerging technologies) in STEM education are welcome.

e. Projects that promote team, active learning, and resiliency are welcome.

f. Projects must institute an evaluation system to assess participant learning and outcomes throughout the duration of the project. This plan must include clear metrics of success.

g. Projects should be designed for youth in K-12, however if a youth development program serves a similar age range outside the K-12 boundaries, allowances can be made with justification.

h. Projects that involve participation from industry and nonprofit organizations through collaborating mentors and/or that connect education professionals to existing USDA and Federal resources (e.g., USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, Federal laboratories, open data resources) to enhance student outcomes in food and agricultural sciences are welcome.

i. As applicable, if the majority of project activities take place off-site, off-campus indirect cost rates should be charged.

j. If organized by the program, the PD will be required to attend one NIFA AFRI EWD PD meeting during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel expenses must be included as part of the project budget.

k. Funds requested may include but are not limited to support of participant stipends and travel; provider personnel salaries; software; and curricula.

l. Reasonable costs for evaluation and hiring of evaluation professionals may be included.

m. A MentP is required. For additional important details, see the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources

Program Area 4. Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates

Table 6: Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Key Information

Title Description Program Code: A7401 Program Code

Name:

Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates

Assistance Listing Number

10.310

Project Type(s): Research, Extension, Education, or Integrated Projects Grant Type(s): a. Standard Grants and FASE (Strengthening Standard) Grants only

b. See Part II § C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant applications.

Application

Grant Duration: a. 48 months

Amount(s):

a. Including indirect costs: $650,000

b. Each review cycle NIFA may award up to two REEU projects per lead institution.

Program Area

A7401@usda.gov

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 community colleges.

Projects must provide undergraduate students with experiential learning opportunities that include significant research, extension/outreach, and/or education components in the food and agricultural sciences. Of interest are projects that provide experiences in innovative agricultural technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), data science, robotics and other cutting edge digital tools. Incorporation of mentoring opportunities for undergraduates to train K-12 students in these areas to equip them with the foundational knowledge and skills and expose them to educational and career pathways in AI for food and agricultural sciences is encouraged.

Non-exhaustive examples of experiential projects include:

a. Research and extension apprenticeships, internships, or similar participatory learning within the six AFRI Farm Bill Priority Areas (Part I, A).

b. Practicums in agricultural laboratories, farms, or Cooperative Extension programs.

c. Externships in the private or public sector.

b. Unless otherwise stated, grants are not renewable.

c. Application and submission information including page limits and narrative font sizes for mailto:A7401@USDA.gov this Program Area Priority are available on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.

Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be excluded from review and consideration of funding.

d. Project costs for REEU projects must be predominantly for student support, including items such as participant stipends, housing, meals, travel, and laboratory use fees. Costs in budget categories outside Participant Support must be modest and reasonable (and may include justified support for the coordination of the program).

e. The budget for student stipends should reflect standard annual increases in costs-of-living commensurate to those requested for faculty salaries.

f. Tuition for course credit and promotional items are not allowable costs in this program.

g. At least 50% of the undergraduate fellows must come from outside the host institution or organization, particularly from small institutions where opportunities are not easily available for these experiences.

h. Participating students could also build their skills necessary for graduate studies; explore the opportunities available in academia, business, government, and other career paths;

and forge mentorships with professional and business leaders and faculty.

i. Applications that involve new collaborations or enhance existing partnerships with community colleges and other institutions where limited research and extension opportunities exist in mission-relevant STEM fields are welcome.

j. Applications that involve industry participation (e.g., through collaborating mentors) and/or in a food and agricultural science industry setting where there is a documented shortage of talent or lack of adequate skills preparation for the needs of the industry are welcome.

k. Projects that will catalyze and result in the implementation of a self-sustaining model for increased or enhanced experiential learning for an undergraduate student population at the host and partner institutions are welcome.

l. Projects should develop a plan for tracking student outcomes, beyond their participation in the program, that demonstrates the impacts of the program on career choices and post-graduation employment and/or enrollment in higher education.

m. A comprehensive evaluation plan with measurable outcomes is required. For additional important details, see the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage.

n. If organized by the program or the coordination network, the PD will be required to attend one NIFA AFRI EWD PD meeting during the performance period of the award.

Reasonable travel expenses must be included as part of the project budget. While budgets should account for this travel, NIFA may consider virtual or hybrid meetings.

o. Awarded projects are required to maintain a website, linked to a central REEU webpage hosted by the REEU Education Coordinated Network, which describes the program, eligibility for student participation, and application guidelines.

p. Previously awarded REEU projects that wish to continue their program, should reapply as a new application with justified novel elements, and include a progress report detailed in the “Related Documents” list on the AFRI NOFO Resources webpage. These applications should differ from the previously awarded applications and will be competed with new and resubmitted applications.

q. Reasonable costs for evaluation and hiring of evaluation professionals may be included.

r. A Mentoring Plan (MentP) is required. For additional important details, see the AFRI

NOFO Resources webpage.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources https://www.reeu.org/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-funding-opportunities-resources

Program Area 5. Predoctoral Fellowships

Table 7: Predoctoral Fellowships Key Information

Title Description Program Code: A7101 Program Code

Name:

Predoctoral Fellowships

Assistance Listing Number

10.310

Project Type(s): Research, Education, Extension, or Integrated Projects Grant Type(s): a. Predoctoral Fellowship Grants only

a. See Part II C.2 for requirements specific to FASE Grant applications.

Application

FY 2026: Thursday, April 16, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)

Grant Duration: Up to 36 months

Amount(s):

a. Including institutional allowance: $180,000 total per project and are limited to a total of $60,000 per year for the following:

1) Up to $35,000 per year salary or stipend

2) Up to $22,000 per year for other expenditures (e.g. tuition, fees, fringe benefits, supplies, travel, workshops, publications, etc.)

3) Up to $3,000 per year institutional allowance, in lieu of indirect costs which are not permitted on Predoctoral Fellowship Grants

4) With the exception of the salary or stipend, awarded funds in other budget categories may be carried over from one year to other years. The salary or stipend is capped at $35,000 per year and cannot be carried over from year one to the next.

Program Area nifafellows@usda.gov

The Predoctoral Fellowships Program Area Priority helps 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.