Deadline: 17-Dec-2025

The Packaging Innovation Program, led by FFAR, Clemson University, and the Food Packaging Forum, funds innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for U.S. specialty crops to meet global regulatory requirements. Offering 20 awards of $50,000–$250,000, the program supports R&D, technology acceleration, and pilot-scale commercialization. Eligible U.S. and international applicants can propose solutions that reduce waste, replace single-use plastics, and help exporters comply with emerging packaging rules.

Overview

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), in partnership with Clemson University and the Food Packaging Forum (FPF), has launched the Packaging Innovation Program to accelerate sustainable packaging solutions for U.S. specialty crops. The initiative responds to rapidly changing packaging regulations in major global markets, including the EU, UK, Canada, and Japan.

The program supports innovations across the R&D pipeline—from early laboratory work to pilot-scale commercial solutions—ensuring U.S. exporters can remain competitive while adopting environmentally responsible packaging.

Program Tracks

The initiative features three funding tracks, each tailored to a specific stage of innovation:

Track 1: Applied R&D

Early-stage solutions demonstrating strong potential to transition from lab development to pilot-scale manufacturing with minimal additional modifications.

Track 2: Technology Accelerator

Mid-stage innovations ready to scale toward international market requirements, with emphasis on regulatory alignment and manufacturability.

Track 3: Scale-Up & Pilot

Pilot-scale manufacturing projects aimed at commercialization, supporting solutions approaching market readiness for specialty crop exports.

Funding Details

Total awards: Up to 20
Award size: $50,000–$250,000 per project
Project duration: 12 months
Support beyond funding includes:
- Industry and consumer insights
- Collaboration and networking opportunities
- Life cycle assessment (LCA) analyses
- Legal reviews on emerging international packaging regulations

Priority Areas

All proposals must address at least two of the following program priorities:

Maintain or increase U.S. specialty crop exports
Support compliance with emerging packaging and labeling rules
Develop alternatives to single-use plastics
Build reusable or refillable packaging systems
Enable exports of crops typically sold without packaging
Reduce food loss and waste across the supply chain
Improve sustainability performance across packaging lifecycles

Aligning proposals with these priorities strengthens competitiveness and demonstrates clear value for U.S. crop export markets.

Who Is Eligible?

The program welcomes a wide range of applicants:

Eligible Entities

Institutions of higher education
Non-profit organisations
For-profit companies
Government-affiliated researchers
Domestic and international organisations

Requirements for International Applicants

International institutions must collaborate with at least one:

U.S.-based researcher
U.S. packaging company
U.S. specialty crop exporter

Eligible Individuals

Researchers with the skills, expertise, and resources to lead the project may apply through their institution or organisation.

Why This Program Matters

Responds to tightening global packaging regulations
Helps U.S. exporters avoid trade disruptions
Encourages innovation in sustainable packaging
Supports the shift away from single-use plastics
Reduces food waste and improves shelf life
Builds a pathway from lab innovation to commercialization

How to Apply

Review program priorities to identify alignment with at least two core goals.
Select the most appropriate track (Applied R&D, Technology Accelerator, or Scale-Up & Pilot).
Develop a proposal outlining:
- Problem statement
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Commercialization potential
- Regulatory compliance strategy
Identify U.S.-based collaborators (required for international applicants).
Secure institutional approval and necessary endorsements.
Submit the application through FFAR’s designated submission portal before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to address at least two program priorities
Weak justification of international regulatory alignment
Proposing solutions without clear export relevance
Overestimating scalability within a 12-month performance period
Insufficient demonstration of collaboration or industry relevance
Missing institutional approvals

FAQ

1. What types of crops are considered specialty crops?

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery plants, horticultural products, and related agricultural products.

2. Can early-stage concepts with no pilot testing apply?

Yes. These belong under Track 1 (Applied R&D) as long as there is strong potential for future scale-up.

3. Are collaborations encouraged?

Yes. Partnerships between academia, industry, exporters, and packaging experts strengthen proposals.

4. Is international participation allowed?

Yes, if international applicants collaborate with a U.S. researcher, packaging company, or crop exporter.

5. Can a company apply without academic partners?

Yes. For-profit organisations are fully eligible to lead or co-lead proposals.

6. How many awards will be made?

Up to 20 awards, each funded for 12 months.

7. What makes a competitive proposal?

Clear alignment with regulatory needs, strong feasibility for scale-up, robust partnerships, and quantifiable impact on sustainability or export growth.

Conclusion

The Packaging Innovation Program offers a rare and high-impact opportunity to accelerate sustainable, market-ready packaging solutions for U.S. specialty crops. By funding innovation across all development stages—and offering technical, regulatory, and industry support—the initiative empowers researchers and companies to meet global standards while strengthening export competitiveness. This program is an excellent pathway for innovators committed to reducing waste, improving sustainability, and shaping the future of agricultural packaging.

For more information, visit FFAR.