Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage Systems

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture seeks proposals for its Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage Systems Program, which will provide approximately $3.7 million over three years to support projects developing improved alfalfa forage and seed production systems. Projects should address at least one of the following priorities: increasing forage and seed yields through better management practices; improving stand persistence; enhancing harvesting and storage systems; estimating forage quality; or breeding to address biotic and abiotic stresses. Applicants may request up to $300,000 per year for up to three years, and proposals are due by May 2, 2024 with anticipated awards to be announced by September 30, 2024. Proposals must integrate research and extension activities across multiple states and address regional or national coordination.

Individual awards are limited to $300,000 per year for up to three years, totaling $900,000. Funded projects will likely be performed across multiple states in order to integrate research and extension activities and address regional or national coordination of alfalfa forage and seed production systems as specified in the priorities of the funding opportunity.