PlantMap3D Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is sponsored by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). AI-powered program using farm equipment data to optimize fertilizer needs from cover crops, reducing costs and improving soil/water quality in Chesapeake Bay watershed (MD, DE, PA). Primarily for farmers in those states via agribusiness partners.

Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges (AWT) is a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that funds the development of credentialed training programs at community colleges designed to prepare a technology- and data-savvy workforce for the agricultural industry. Administered through NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Education and Workforce Development program, AWT supports professional development and applied training that builds the next generation of food and agricultural science professionals. The program emphasizes hands-on, career-ready curricula aligned with industry needs. Eligible applicants include community colleges and higher education institutions. Award amounts and deadlines are posted through NIFA's annual funding opportunity announcements.

AFRI Education and Workforce Development: Food and Agricultural Non-formal Education (FANE) is a grant from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supporting non-formal education programs that cultivate interest and skills in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Eligible applicants include universities, community organizations, and nonprofits developing programs such as 4-H, extension education, and hands-on agricultural learning experiences. Grants strengthen the pipeline of future agricultural professionals by engaging youth and adult learners outside traditional classroom settings.

The USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative is the largest competitive research program in USDA portfolio funded at $445 million annually. The FY2026 cycle includes three tracks: Foundational and Applied Science for investigator-led research covering plant health, animal systems, food safety, bioenergy, and natural resources; Sustainable Agricultural Systems for large-scale transdisciplinary projects addressing food production, climate resilience, and water availability; and Education and Workforce Development allocating $39.7 million for K-14 STEM professional development and agricultural education. AI-relevant areas include AI-driven crop monitoring, precision agriculture, livestock genetics, soil health monitoring, autonomous harvesting systems, and machine learning for agricultural decision support. The March 26 2026 deadline applies to the Strengthening Agricultural Systems track.

The USDA NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) program awards large-scale integrated research, education, and extension projects addressing complex agricultural challenges. USDA anticipates awarding 10-12 grants ranging from $2.5 million to $10 million per award. The program supports projects incorporating AI, machine learning, and data science to strengthen food production, agricultural sustainability, and rural community resilience. Projects may address precision agriculture, autonomous systems, climate-smart farming, supply chain optimization, and workforce development in agricultural technology.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I is a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that funds high-quality research by small businesses addressing important scientific problems and o…

AFRI Strengthening Agricultural Systems is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This program supports fully integrated research, education, and extension projects that aim to develop and improve agricultural practices to strengthen the U.S. food and agricultural system, increase agricultural production, and enhance farmer prosperity. Projects should address current and future food and agricultural challenges with a focus on economic viability, quality of life for farmers and society, and efficient resource use.

Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program - Produce Prescription Program is a grant from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture that funds projects demonstrating and evaluating the impact of fresh fruit and vegetable prescriptions for income-eligible consumers. Part of the broader GusNIP initiative authorized under 7 U.S.C. 7517, this program targets food insecurity by connecting healthcare providers with local food systems. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local, state, and tribal governments, and individual healthcare agencies. Awards range from million to million annually in mandatory funding. Projects must show measurable health outcomes and advance the evidence base for produce prescription interventions nationwide.

USDA NIFA's flagship competitive grant program for large-scale, multi-million-dollar agricultural systems transformation. The Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) program funds Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) grants of $2.5M-$10M over up to 60 months, requiring fully integrated research, education, and extension components. Program code A9201 targets new agricultural product markets, plant/animal pest and disease solutions, and diet-related chronic disease interventions. Projects must align with USDA priorities including farmer profitability, market expansion, invasive species protection, soil health, and precision nutrition. NIFA anticipates awarding 10-12 grants under this program code. Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-010653.

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) is a federal grant and loan program from USDA Rural Development that provides loan capital and technical assistance funding to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) — including nonprofits, community-based financial institutions, and local economic development councils. These partner organizations in turn deliver microloans and business development training directly to rural small business owners and microentrepreneurs in their communities. RMAP defines a microentrepreneur as a rural sole proprietor or small business owner. The program targets the significant gap in credit and business training access faced by rural entrepreneurs, supporting economic growth in rural America. Eligible intermediaries apply directly to USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants is sponsored by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This grant provides funding to small businesses in rural areas for energy efficiency improvements. For a cafe or tea shop, this can include upgrading high-energy equipment like refrigeration, HVAC, or lighting systems to reduce operational costs.

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program is a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture that supports educational and training programs for beginning farmers and ranchers. Funded through competitive awards, the program helps new agricultural producers develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully start and sustain farming and ranching operations. Eligible applicants include universities, cooperative extension services, community-based organizations, and other entities that deliver education, mentoring, and technical assistance to beginning farmers. The program's Notice of Funding Opportunity is typically released annually in February or March, with applications due approximately 60 days later.

Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants (BRAG) is a competitive research grant program from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that funds science-based studies on the environmental risks of introducing genetically engineered (GE) organisms. Established in 1992, BRAG supports research on risk assessment and risk management for GE plants, animals, microorganisms, insects, fish, and birds, including studies on gene transfer, dispersal monitoring, genome editing off-target effects, and containment for GE livestock. The program is co-administered by NIFA, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and the USDA Forest Service. Eligible applicants include land-grant colleges, universities, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations. Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000. The 2026 deadline is April 1, 2026.

Value-Added Producer Grant is a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service that funds agricultural producers seeking to enter or expand value-added markets. The program supports independent producers, agricultural producer groups, cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures in fisheries and seafood to develop value-added agricultural products and generate new market opportunities. Planning grants range from $75,000 to $250,000. The current application deadline is April 15, 2026. Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures, including those in fisheries and seafood sectors.

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) is a competitive grant program from USDA Rural Development that helps agricultural producers, producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and producer-controlled entities create or expand value-added businesses. Eligible uses include funding business and marketing plans, feasibility studies, food safety improvements, and working capital for value-added ventures. By supporting farmers who transform raw commodities into higher-value products like jams, cheese, or bread, VAPG helps increase farm income and stimulate rural economic development. Working capital grants are available up to ,000, with an application deadline of April 22, 2026.

Wood Innovations Grant Program is a grant from the USDA Forest Service that funds projects to stimulate, expand, and support U.S. wood products and wood energy markets, contributing to long-term management of National Forest System and other forest lands. With an estimated $8 million in total program funding, the program supports activities such as wood utilization assistance, expanding markets for wood energy, and developing new wood product applications. Eligible applicants include private businesses, for-profit and non-profit organizations, tribal governments, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, and public utility, fire, conservation, and school districts. Cost sharing or matching is required.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The long-term goal of this program is to help transform the U. S. food and agricultural system to increase agricultural sustainability and resilience. This may include projects related to advanced food manufacturing and food products.

NIFA AFRI AI for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Strengthening Agricultural Systems program, offers the Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences program area to develop and strengthen t…

USDA NIFA program (code A9231) within the AFRI Strengthening Agricultural Systems NOFO that funds projects to develop and strengthen the pipeline of AI-literate next-generation agriculturalists with emphasis on K-12 youth. Awards of $1M-$2M support fully integrated research, education, and extension projects that adapt or develop AI-based tools for agricultural classroom integration, build K-12 teacher training programs in agricultural AI, create AI resource sharing mechanisms for educators, and equip young learners as future agricultural AI innovators. NIFA anticipates funding one award in each of its six priority areas. Applications due April 23, 2026. Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-010653.

This USDA NIFA program funds Coordinated Agriculture Projects (CAPs) that develop and strengthen the pipeline of AI-literate and skilled next-generation agriculturalists with special emphasis on K-12 youth. Awards of $1M-$2M support integrated research, education, and extension projects that create AI-based tools for classroom integration, build comprehensive teacher training in agricultural AI, establish resource-sharing mechanisms for AI curriculum materials, and equip learners to become agricultural AI innovators. Projects must address at least four of seven priority areas spanning AI literacy, educator training, workforce development, and national food security understanding. NIFA anticipates awarding one grant per each of six NIFA priority areas. Project periods run up to 60 months.

Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The purpose of this program is to fund high priority integrated projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high-quality organic agricultural products.

Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The purpose of this program is to fund high-priority integrated projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market their products. This aligns with sustainable agriculture practices through its focus on organic systems.

NSF TechAccess AI-Ready America is a major new initiative to establish AI-ready Coordination Hubs in every U.S. state and territory to expand access to AI knowledge tools training and capacity building. Announced March 25 2026 the initiative is a joint effort of NSF USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Department of Labor and Small Business Administration (SBA). Each Hub will connect local partners and coordinate AI deployment scale proven approaches based on state and local priorities and address three key gaps: workforce AI literacy small business and local government AI adoption and hands-on learning pathways. Up to 56 Hubs will be funded at up to $1 million per year for three years selected through three rounds of competition. An informational webinar is scheduled for April 14 2026. This is distinct from NSF ExpandAI which focuses on institutional AI research capacity building and from NSF Expanding AI Career which targets skilled technical workforce opportunities.

Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program (REDLG) is sponsored by USDA Rural Development. The REDLG program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA offers zero-interest loans to local utilities, which then pass these funds to local businesses for projects that create and retain employment in rural areas.

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) for Fiscal Year 2026 is a grant from USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service that provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to support rural microenterprise creation and growth. Eligible applicants include domestic nonprofits, Indian Tribes, and public institutions of higher education located in rural areas. MDOs use the funding to establish a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund, providing microloans of up to $50,000 to rural microentrepreneurs. Grants can reach up to $500,000 and are due by June 30, 2026, with the goal of fostering economic development in underserved rural communities.

USDA SBIR Phase I - 8.12 Small and Mid-Sized Farms is a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that funds small businesses developing AI and robotics technologies for specialty crops, nursery management, and agricultural automation. Awards range from ,000 to ,500 under the Small Business Innovation Research program for Phase I feasibility work. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based small businesses meeting SBA size standards. The topic area is particularly well-suited for companies working on automated plant health monitoring, robotic harvesting for specialty crops, or precision tools applicable to landscaping operations. The deadline is October 1, 2026.

Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) is a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency that funds cost share assistance for producers and handlers seeking or renewing organic certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). Eligible applicants include any certified organic producers or handlers who have paid certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent. The program covers expenses such as application fees, inspection costs, equivalency agreement fees, inspector travel, user fees, and postage. Awards provide up to 75 percent of certification costs, not to exceed per certification scope (crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling). The 2024 application deadline was October 31, 2024.

USDA Innovative Agriculture Micro-grants for Chicago (IAM-Chi) is a grant from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) with University of Illinois Extension that provides micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 for urban agriculture-related projects in Chicago. Funding supports infrastructure improvements, conservation initiatives, and equipment acquisition for urban producers operating in the city. This program is designed to strengthen the urban food production ecosystem in Chicago by helping small-scale and emerging agricultural operations access resources they need to grow. Applications are accepted through November 30, 2026, giving Chicago-area urban farmers and producers ample time to develop and submit competitive proposals.

NIFA AFRI Data Science for Food and Agricultural Systems AI Program is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program area A1541 Data Science for Food and Agricultural Systems (DSFAS) funds research at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, and agriculture.

Southern SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant is a program from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (USDA) that funds individual farmers, ranchers, and groups of producers in the southern United States to conduct on-farm research and education projects advancing sustainable agriculture practices. Awards of up to $20,000 support producer-led experiments, demonstrations, and outreach that benefit the farming community. Eligible applicants include individual farmers and ranchers or groups of producers across southern states, including Kentucky. Applications are submitted through the SARE Grant Management System following the annual Call for Proposals; the current deadline is December 5, 2026. Proposals are reviewed by regional administrative council committees.