Government agencies award agricultural grants to students, corporations, and researchers.
State and federal government agencies award grants to people, businesses, and organizations to help advance the agriculture industry. Grant programs provide funding for plant production, educational research, plant disease control, and prevention of food hazards. Grant eligibility and requirements can vary, depending on the funding source and the intent of the grant program. Major agricultural funding sources in the United States include the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, and state departments of agriculture.
Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI)
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), awards grants through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). The USDA created the initiative to support extension activities and research to solve issues within the agricultural industry. Eligible projects can include plant breeding, disease and pest issues, food hazard prevention, and programs that improve the efficiency of agricultural production. The initiative extends eligibility to federal agencies, universities and colleges, corporations, individuals, national laboratories, and research institutes. Organizations and individuals interested in the SCRI can contact the NIFA.
NIFA Fellowships Grant Program
The NIFA provides a fellowship program for predoctoral and postdoctoral candidates. Recipients can use funds for extension, research, or education. Proposals must address U.S. agricultural competitiveness, food safety, childhood obesity, renewable biofuels, or issues related to climate variations and adaptive agricultural methods. The fellowship can fund educational programs that include laboratory instruction, classroom instruction, or practicum activities in the agricultural science, food, or forestry industries. Applicants can submit research proposals for applied or fundamental research projects. Extension proposals must deliver scientific knowledge through informal education through in-person interaction or via electronic platforms. Predoctoral fellowships offer up to $37,500 each year, for up to two years. Postdoctoral fellowships provide up to $130,000 over the course of two years. Candidates can apply for the grant through the NIFA.
Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
The USDA's division of Rural Development sponsors the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG). The USDA offers grants to group agricultural producers, farm cooperatives, producer businesses, and independent producers. Recipients can use awards for the development of marketing plans, feasibility studies, or business planning. Eligibility requires applicants to obtain matching funds, at least equal to the amount of the grant award. Recipients cannot use grant funds to rent equipment, construct a building, or repair existing facilities. Producers interested in the VAPG can contact their local USDA Rural Development office.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), in association with NIFA, offers grants for students, researchers, farmers, and agricultural educators. Regional divisions of SARE publish calls for proposals, with varying focuses depending on the region. SARE awards grants for education and research up to $150,000. Producer grants can pay up to $15,000 for programs that share results with ranchers and farmers. SARE prefers proposals that include the participation of farmers and extension educators during the lifetime of a project. Proposals must demonstrate relevance for agricultural producers. The SARE website provides information about calls for proposals issued by all regional offices.
