Apply Now: Cochran Fellowship Program 2026 (US)

Deadline: 14-Aug-2026

The Cochran Fellowship Program FY2026 supports U.S. institutions in developing and delivering short-term agricultural training programmes for participants from selected emerging market economies. The programme strengthens international agricultural capacity while promoting research cooperation, technical knowledge exchange, and U.S. agricultural trade opportunities.

Funding supports training activities related to agricultural policy, biotechnology, food safety, livestock production, forestry, and agricultural market development through U.S.-based learning programmes.

What Is the Cochran Fellowship Program?

The Cochran Fellowship Program is an international agricultural training initiative that supports institutions in providing specialised learning opportunities for agricultural professionals from eligible emerging market economies.

The programme is designed to improve global agricultural expertise while creating stronger connections between international partners and U.S. agricultural industries.

Training programmes are typically short-term, lasting around two weeks, and take place in the United States.

Main Objectives of the Programme

The FY2026 Cochran Fellowship Program aims to:

• Build international agricultural capacity
• Improve agricultural research and extension systems
• Strengthen food and agricultural trade relationships
• Promote knowledge exchange
• Support agricultural technology adoption
• Expand opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports

Supported Training Areas

The programme supports training activities across several agricultural sectors.

Agricultural Policy and Trade

Training may cover:

• Agricultural policy development
• International trade systems
• Market access strategies
• Agricultural export promotion

The goal is to improve participants’ understanding of agricultural markets and trade opportunities.

Biotechnology and Genetic Technologies

Supported topics include:

• Genetic engineering regulation
• Biotechnology policy frameworks
• Risk assessment methods
• Genome editing approaches

Training helps participants understand the scientific, regulatory, and trade aspects of agricultural biotechnology.

Food Safety Systems

Projects may focus on:

• Food safety standards
• Quality assurance systems
• Risk management approaches
• Food supply chain protection

The programme supports stronger food safety practices internationally.

Livestock Production and Animal Health

Training areas include:

• Livestock production systems
• Poultry production
• Disease prevention
• Animal health management

Participants gain practical knowledge related to efficient and sustainable livestock industries.

Agricultural Feed Markets

Training may address:

• Feed production
• Feed market development
• Supply chain management
• Agricultural inputs

These activities support stronger livestock and agricultural production systems.

Forestry and Forest Products

Supported forestry topics include:

• Softwood forestry systems
• Sustainable forest management
• Wood construction applications
• Forest product markets

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to eligible U.S.-based institutions.

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. state cooperative institutions
• Colleges and universities
• Other eligible higher education institutions defined under federal law

Applicants must have the capacity to:

• Design training programmes
• Deliver international education activities
• Manage federal grant funds

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
• Meet federal eligibility requirements
• Follow USDA application rules
• Submit all required documentation

Institutions must demonstrate relevant experience and organisational capacity.

Funding Details

The programme provides funding through a cooperative agreement mechanism.

Funding information:

• Total available federal funding: $1,050,000
• Maximum individual award: $150,000

Funding supports:

• Training programme design
• Training delivery
• Institutional staffing
• Domestic logistics
• Educational activities
• Programme management

Allowable Project Costs

Eligible costs may include:

• Training materials
• Workshop activities
• Staff support
• Programme coordination
• Domestic travel and logistics
• Implementation expenses

Costs must follow federal funding regulations.

Restricted Costs

Certain expenses are not supported.

Restrictions include:

• International participant airfare limitations
• Specific unallowable activities
• Indirect cost limitations for nonprofit institutions

Applicants should carefully review federal cost requirements before preparing budgets.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Training Concept

Applicants should identify:

• Target participant group
• Agricultural topic area
• Training objectives
• Expected outcomes

The programme should address clear agricultural capacity-building needs.

Step 2: Prepare a Project Narrative

The proposal should explain:

• Training approach
• Programme structure
• Participant engagement strategy
• Institutional expertise
• Implementation timeline

A strong narrative should show how the training creates measurable benefits.

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

Applicants must provide:

• Detailed budget
• Budget justification
• Cost explanations

The budget should demonstrate reasonable and necessary expenses.

Step 4: Submit Through USDA ezFedGrants

Applications must be submitted through the USDA ezFedGrants system.

Required submissions include:

• Federal application forms
• Project narrative
• Budget documents
• Supporting information

Step 5: Complete Review Process

Applications go through:

• Eligibility screening
• Technical review
• Expert panel evaluation
• Final agency selection

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed based on several factors.

Institutional Expertise

Reviewers assess:

• Relevant experience
• Agricultural training capability
• International programme experience

Training Plan Quality

Proposals should demonstrate:

• Clear learning objectives
• Effective training methods
• Strong participant engagement

Project Relevance

Applications should show alignment with:

• Agricultural development priorities
• International cooperation goals
• Trade and capacity-building objectives

Budget Quality

Reviewers consider:

• Cost effectiveness
• Budget accuracy
• Reasonableness of expenses

Why This Programme Matters

The Cochran Fellowship Program supports global agricultural development by connecting experts, institutions, and agricultural professionals.

The programme helps:

• Improve food security
• Strengthen agricultural systems
• Expand international knowledge networks
• Support sustainable farming practices
• Build long-term trade relationships

It also creates opportunities for U.S. institutions to share expertise and develop international partnerships.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Weak Training Objectives

Training plans should have clear outcomes.

Tip: Define what participants will learn and how knowledge will be applied after the programme.

Limited Institutional Experience

Applicants should demonstrate relevant capability.

Tip: Highlight previous international training or agricultural education work.

Incomplete Budget Details

Budgets must justify all costs.

Tip: Provide clear explanations for each expense category.

Ignoring Federal Requirements

Failure to meet registration or submission requirements can make an application ineligible.

Tip: Confirm SAM.gov registration and USDA submission requirements early.

Poor Participant Engagement Planning

Successful programmes require active participation.

Tip: Include practical sessions, discussions, and knowledge-sharing activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cochran Fellowship Program?

It is a USDA-supported programme that funds U.S. institutions to provide agricultural training for professionals from selected emerging market economies.

Who can apply?

Eligible U.S. state cooperative institutions, colleges, universities, and qualifying higher education organisations can apply.

How long are training programmes?

Training activities are typically short-term programmes lasting about two weeks.

What subjects are supported?

The programme supports agricultural policy, biotechnology, food safety, livestock, forestry, feed markets, and agricultural trade.

How much funding is available?

The total funding pool is $1,050,000, with individual awards of up to $150,000.

Where must applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted through the USDA ezFedGrants system.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are reviewed based on expertise, training quality, relevance, budget strength, and overall proposal quality.

Conclusion

The Cochran Fellowship Program FY2026 provides U.S. institutions with an opportunity to deliver specialised agricultural training programmes for international participants.

By supporting knowledge exchange, agricultural innovation, and technical cooperation, the programme strengthens global agricultural systems while advancing international partnerships and trade opportunities.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.