Submissions open for Borlaug Fellowship Program 2026 (US)

Deadline: 14-Aug-2026

The Borlaug Fellowship Program supports U.S. universities and research institutions in hosting international agricultural research and training fellowships for participants from emerging market economies. The programme strengthens global agricultural research capacity, scientific cooperation, biotechnology policy development, and trade-related expertise.

Funding supports up to 12-week U.S.-based fellowships focused on agricultural biotechnology, food safety, plant health, regulatory systems, leadership development, and research collaboration.

What Is the Borlaug Fellowship Program?

The Borlaug Fellowship Program is an international agricultural research and training initiative that connects U.S. universities with agricultural scientists, researchers, and policymakers from emerging market countries.

The programme provides structured fellowships where participants receive:

• Research mentorship
• Technical training
• Policy development experience
• Scientific communication support
• International collaboration opportunities

The goal is to improve agricultural systems worldwide while strengthening scientific partnerships and agricultural trade cooperation.

Main Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen international agricultural research capacity
• Improve science-based agricultural policy development
• Support biotechnology and food safety expertise
• Build long-term research partnerships
• Improve agricultural trade cooperation
• Develop future agricultural leaders

Supported Research and Training Areas

The programme focuses on advanced agricultural science and policy topics.

Agricultural Biotechnology Regulation

Supported areas include:

• Genetically engineered corn and soybean regulation
• Biotechnology policy frameworks
• Regulatory approval systems
• Agricultural biotechnology trade facilitation

The programme helps participants understand how governments manage biotechnology innovation while maintaining safety standards.

Food and Feed Safety Risk Assessment

Training may cover:

• Food safety evaluation systems
• Feed safety assessment
• Risk analysis methods
• Scientific decision-making frameworks

Participants learn approaches used to support safe agricultural production and trade.

Genome Editing Policies

The programme supports knowledge exchange on:

• Genome editing technologies
• Regulatory approaches
• Policy development
• Risk management

This helps countries develop effective frameworks for emerging agricultural technologies.

International Agricultural Standards

Fellowships may address global standards and agreements, including:

• Codex Alimentarius standards
• Cartagena Protocol considerations
• International biotechnology guidelines

Participants gain knowledge of international cooperation systems.

Plant Health and Pest Risk Management

The programme supports research and policy development related to:

• Plant disease prevention
• Pest risk assessment
• Predictive modelling
• Agricultural biosecurity

A specific focus includes threats such as New World Screwworm and other plant and animal health risks.

Leadership and Science Communication Training

The fellowship also develops professional skills through:

• Leadership development
• Scientific communication
• Policy engagement training
• Knowledge transfer approaches

These skills help participants apply research outcomes in their home countries.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to eligible U.S. higher education institutions.

Eligible applicants include:

• State cooperative institutions
• Accredited U.S. colleges and universities
• Other institutions recognised under federal law

Consortium applications are allowed if all participating organisations meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be eligible U.S. institutions
• Maintain active registration in SAM.gov
• Submit all required federal application documents
• Demonstrate research and training capacity

Applicants should have experience in:

• International programmes
• Agricultural research
• Scientific mentorship
• Professional training

Fellowship Structure

The Borlaug Fellowship Program supports U.S.-hosted fellowship programmes.

Key features include:

Duration:

Up to 12 weeks

Participants:

Approximately 5 to 10 international fellows per award

Activities may include:

• Research projects
• Laboratory training
• Mentorship sessions
• Institutional visits
• Policy discussions
• Professional development activities

Funding Details

The programme provides support through cooperative agreements.

Maximum award amount:

Up to $750,000 per award

Funding supports programme delivery and fellowship activities.

Eligible Costs

Funding may cover:

Programme Activities

• Training sessions
• Research activities
• Mentorship support
• Educational events

Participant Support

• International travel
• Domestic travel
• Housing
• Per diem expenses

Institutional Costs

• Laboratory expenses
• Administrative support
• Programme coordination

Required Events

Funding may support activities such as:

• Orientation visits to USDA headquarters
• Field visits
• Institutional visits

Indirect Cost Limits

For nonprofit institutions:

Indirect costs are limited to 10 percent.

Applicants should ensure budgets follow federal cost regulations.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Fellowship Plan

Applicants should define:

• Research theme
• Training objectives
• Participant profile
• Expected outcomes

The plan should align with agricultural development and policy priorities.

Step 2: Design the Mentorship Structure

The proposal should explain:

• Mentor selection
• Research supervision
• Training activities
• Participant engagement

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

Required materials include:

• Federal forms
• SF-424
• SF-424A
• Project narrative
• Detailed budget
• Budget justification

Step 4: Submit Through the Required System

Applicants must submit the completed application package according to federal grant procedures.

Step 5: Complete Competitive Review

Applications undergo:

• Eligibility screening
• Merit evaluation
• Expert panel review
• Final USDA selection

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed using several criteria.

Institutional Expertise

Reviewers assess:

• Experience in international training
• Research capability
• Mentorship experience

Programme Design Quality

Applications should demonstrate:

• Clear objectives
• Strong research plans
• Effective training methods

Implementation Capacity

Reviewers evaluate:

• Project management approach
• Institutional resources
• Participant support systems

Budget Quality

Budgets are assessed for:

• Accuracy
• Cost effectiveness
• Allowable expenses

Risk Management

Applications should address:

• Operational risks
• Cultural considerations
• Travel and logistics planning
• Programme delivery challenges

Why This Programme Matters

The Borlaug Fellowship Program supports global agricultural innovation by creating connections between researchers, universities, and policymakers.

The programme helps:

• Improve agricultural productivity
• Strengthen food security
• Support science-based regulations
• Expand international research networks
• Develop future agricultural leaders

It also contributes to stronger global cooperation on agricultural technology and trade.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Weak Research Alignment

Projects should clearly connect with programme priorities.

Tip: Link research activities to agricultural challenges and policy needs.

Limited Mentorship Planning

A fellowship requires structured guidance.

Tip: Explain how mentors will support participants throughout the programme.

Incomplete Budget Details

Budgets must justify all costs.

Tip: Provide clear explanations for participant support, research expenses, and administration.

Ignoring Participant Outcomes

Applications should show long-term impact.

Tip: Explain how fellows will apply knowledge after returning home.

Poor Risk Planning

International programmes involve logistical challenges.

Tip: Include strategies for travel, communication, and programme continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Borlaug Fellowship Program?

It is a programme that funds U.S. institutions to host international agricultural research and training fellowships.

Who can apply?

Eligible U.S. universities and state cooperative institutions can apply.

How long are fellowships?

Fellowship programmes can last up to 12 weeks.

What topics are supported?

Supported areas include biotechnology regulation, food safety, genome editing, plant health, agricultural policy, and science communication.

How much funding is available?

Awards may provide up to $750,000.

Can universities apply as a consortium?

Yes. Multiple eligible institutions may apply together.

What costs can funding cover?

Funding may support training, travel, housing, research activities, administrative costs, and required programme events.

Conclusion

The Borlaug Fellowship Program provides U.S. universities with an opportunity to strengthen international agricultural research cooperation and scientific leadership.

By supporting research mentorship, biotechnology expertise, food safety systems, and policy development, the programme helps build stronger global agricultural partnerships and advances sustainable agricultural innovation.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.