NIFA Releases Requests for Applications for AFRI Foundational Program
Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188
The United States of Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today released the request for applications (RFA) for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational Program. This funding opportunity supports research, education and Extension in fundamental and applied food and agricultural sciences. In Fiscal Year 2013, NIFA plans to award $136 million to support the AFRI Foundational Program.
The AFRI Foundational Program addresses six priority areas to continue building a foundation of knowledge in fundamental and applied food and agricultural sciences critical for solving current and future societal challenges. The six priority areas include: plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition and health; renewable energy, natural resources and environment; agriculture systems and technology; and agriculture economics and rural communities.
AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grants program and was established under the 2008 Farm Bill. AFRI is funded at $264 million in FY 2012. Additionally, AFRI will make awards in four other challenge areas – food safety, global food security, climate variability and sustainable bioenergy—and through the foundational and fellowship programs. The AFRI challenge areas will continue to support societal challenge areas where research, education, and extension can achieve significant and measurable outcomes.
All AFRI program information, including the RFAs, is available online. Visit www.nifa.usda.gov/afri for more information.
Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. More information is available at: www.nifa.usda.gov.
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