The U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA), through the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture (NIFA), has announced the 2026 Agriculture and Food Research
Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development (EWD) funding
opportunity. The program aims to strengthen the future workforce in
agriculture, food systems,
environmental sciences,
and related disciplines by supporting education, training, research, and
professional development initiatives.
Educational Resources
With an estimated total funding pool
of $39.7 million, the AFRI Education and Workforce Development
program seeks to develop the next generation of researchers, educators,
extension professionals, and industry leaders who can address emerging
challenges in agriculture, food security, sustainability, and technology.
About the AFRI Education and Workforce
Development Program
The AFRI Education and Workforce
Development program focuses on building a strong talent pipeline for the food
and agricultural sciences sector. Through competitive grants and fellowships,
the initiative supports institutions, organizations, and individuals working to
improve educational opportunities and workforce readiness.
The program is designed to expand access to
training and career development opportunities across multiple educational
levels, from K-14 education to postgraduate research and professional
development.
Areas Supported by the Program
The AFRI EWD program will support projects
in the following areas:
- Professional development opportunities for K-14 educational
professionals
- Non-formal agricultural and food science education programs for
youth
- Workforce training initiatives at community, junior, and
technical colleges
- Research and extension training opportunities for undergraduate
students
- Predoctoral fellowship programs
- Postdoctoral fellowship programs
- Education and workforce development workshop grants
These investments are intended to
strengthen educational pathways while preparing students and professionals for
careers in agriculture, science, technology, environmental management, and
related sectors.
Food
Funding Details
Applicants may compete for grants ranging
from $10,000 to $650,000, depending on the project category and
funding priorities.
Key Funding Information
- Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011596
- Estimated Total Funding: $39,700,000
- Award Range: $10,000 –
$650,000
- Posted Date: January 20, 2026
- Closing Date: December 31,
2026
- Cost Sharing Requirement: Matching
funds are required for certain project categories
Applicants are encouraged to carefully
review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for detailed funding
requirements and project-specific guidelines.
Who Can Apply?
The AFRI Education and Workforce
Development program welcomes applications from a wide range of eligible
institutions and organizations.
Educational Resources
Eligible applicants include:
- 1862 Land-Grant Institutions
- 1890 Land-Grant Institutions
- 1994 Land-Grant Institutions
- State-controlled institutions of higher education
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions
- Small businesses
- For-profit organizations
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status
- Tribal organizations
- Individual applicants
Eligibility requirements may vary depending
on the project type. Applicants should consult the current AFRI EWD Request for
Applications (RFA) to determine their specific eligibility status.
Priority Areas and Research Topics
The program supports projects addressing a
broad range of agricultural, environmental, technological, and educational
priorities.
Key focus areas include:
- Advanced technologies
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Agriculture technology
- Sustainable agriculture
- Organic agriculture
- Food and nutrition security
- Prevention of diet-related diseases
- Crop production
- Plant breeding
- Plant health
- Soil management
- Water resources
- Ecosystem sustainability
- Natural resource economics
- Markets and trade
- Animal agriculture
- Food safety
- Bioeconomy
These themes reflect USDA’s commitment to
supporting innovation and workforce development across the agricultural sector.
Food
Benefits for Students and Early-Career
Researchers
One of the major objectives of the AFRI EWD
program is to create educational pathways for future agricultural leaders.
Through fellowships, research experiences, and workforce training programs,
students and researchers can gain valuable hands-on experience while
contributing to solutions for global food and environmental challenges.
Program benefits may include:
- Access to advanced research opportunities
- Professional mentoring and career development
- Workforce training in high-demand agricultural sectors
- Support for graduate and postgraduate studies
- Enhanced collaboration between educational institutions and
industry partners
- Development of practical skills relevant to emerging
agricultural technologies
Accessibility and Language Support
USDA NIFA is committed to ensuring
equitable access to funding opportunities.
Educational Resources
Applicants requiring accommodations can
request support for accessing grant-related information or participating in
associated events and webinars. Language access services, including translation
and interpretation, are also available at no cost to applicants who need
assistance.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Agriculture continues to face significant
challenges related to climate change, food security, technological
transformation, workforce shortages, and sustainable resource management. The
AFRI Education and Workforce Development program plays a critical role in
preparing future professionals to address these issues through education,
research, and innovation.
By investing in students, educators,
researchers, and institutions, USDA seeks to strengthen agricultural systems
while supporting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public
health outcomes.
Organizations and individuals interested in
advancing agricultural education, workforce development, and scientific
research are encouraged to explore this funding opportunity and submit
applications before the December 31, 2026 deadline.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: December 31, 2026
- Funding Available: $39.7
Million
- Award Range: $10,000 –
$650,000
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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