USDA-NIFA: Alfalfa Forage Research Program (AFRP)

Deadline: 19-Feb-21

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is seeking applications for its Alfalfa Forage Research Program (AFRP). The AFRP is an alfalfa-oriented, integrated research and extension program that supports technology transfer to improve overall agricultural productivity, profitability, and conservation of natural resources through conventional and organic alfalfa forage and seed production systems.

The AFRP encourages applicants to establish interdisciplinary and multi-location regional research and extension networks to address national priorities or regional science needs of the U.S. alfalfa forage industry.

Goals

The Alfalfa Forage Research Program (AFRP) aligns with the USDA Strategic Plan and specifically addresses the following goals:

Strategic Goal 1: Ensure USDA programs are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with integrity and a focus on customer service;
Strategic Goal 2: Maximize the ability of American agricultural producers to prosper by feeding and clothing the world;
Strategic Goal 4: Facilitate rural prosperity and economic development; and
Strategic Goal 7: Provide all Americans access to a safe, nutritious and secure food supply.

Thematic Areas

The AFRP aligns with the USDA Science Blueprint:

Theme 1: Sustainable Agricultural Intensification
Theme 2. Agricultural Climate Adaption
Theme 3. Food and Nutritional Translation

Funding Information

The anticipated amount available for AFRP grants in FY 2021 is approximately $2.7 million.
The total project budget requested cannot exceed a maximum of $300,000 per year for a project period of up to three years, including indirect costs.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications may only be submitted by:
- State agricultural experiment stations;
- Colleges and universities;
- University research foundations;
- Other research institutions and organizations;
- Federal agencies;
- National laboratories;
- Private organizations, foundations or corporations;
- Individuals who are United States citizens or nationals; or
- A group consisting of two or more of the entities described in (1) through (8).
Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project.
Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award.