Deadline: 14-Aug-2025
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is inviting applications for its Special Research Grants Program focused on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) research. This initiative supports research programs that develop and test new potato varieties for commercial production.
The goal of the program is to conduct research, education, or extension activities that foster progress in food and agricultural sciences important to the U.S. It aims to promote excellence on regional and national levels, strengthen regional research centers, build partnerships between USDA and educational or research institutions, and enhance coordination among states.
For FY 2025, NIFA seeks proposals addressing key areas of potato breeding research. These include developing high-performing varieties resistant to pests and diseases such as potato virus Y, nematodes, and blight. Projects should also focus on improving water and nutrient efficiency in varieties, developing value-added traits like better storability and consumer quality, and using rapid selection methods to target specific markets.
The total program funding is estimated at $3,703,050. Individual awards will range between $500,000 and $1,500,000, with each grant lasting up to 24 months.
Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations, land-grant colleges and universities, affiliated research foundations, and accredited veterinary colleges. Entities receiving funds under the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Act are also eligible. Award recipients may collaborate with organizations not eligible to apply directly, as long as they are essential to the project.
Applications must meet eligibility criteria at the time of submission. Duplicate or overlapping applications are not permitted; any such submissions will be disqualified.
Reviewers will be selected based on their experience and expertise in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields. Panels will be composed to ensure diversity in specialization, organization types, geographic representation, and relevance to producers and public needs. Reviewers may include academics, agricultural professionals, educators, and consumers to ensure practical and impactful evaluation of proposals.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
