Through the federal budget system, the President and Congress determine the allocation of resources among Federal Government agencies. NIFA uses these funds to catalyze transformative discoveries, education, and engagement to address agricultural challenges to our nation’s nutritional security, including diminishing land and water resources, changing climate, and the need for environmental stewardship, in the context of the burgeoning population.
Budget and Legislation
NIFA’s Budget Office ensures that the agency’s budget is administered, and federal grants are awarded in compliance with the federal budget process. The agency ensures that legislative provisions are implemented in compliance with the spirit and letter of legislation that impacts NIFA operations and programs.
In addition to appropriating funds, legislation calls for reforms, program changes, and the establishment of programs and mechanisms that focus on advancement of national agriculture priorities. NIFA also oversees the application of agency-related administrative actions required by agricultural legislation.
Learn more about NIFA's Legislation and related resources.
Budget Process
NIFA’s Budget Staff is accountable for the agency’s role in each of the three interrelated phases of the federal budget process:
- Formulation of the President’s Budget Proposal
- Congressional development and passage of appropriations
- Execution of the agency's appropriated budget to support grant programs
President’s Budget
Submission of the President’s Budget Proposal—the first phase in the federal budget process—takes place on or about the first Monday in February. The President’s budget policy proposes funding levels for the upcoming budget year beginning on October 1. NIFA’s Budget Staff formulates the agency’s segment of the proposal as shown in the explanatory notes of USDA's Congressional budget justifications.
To access the full list of current and archived Congressional budget justifications, you may navigate to https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/leadership-usda/budget, select a fiscal year, and scroll to find NIFA's content within the Research, Education and Economics section.
Congressional Action
During the next phase of the budget process, Congress reviews the President's Budget Proposal and develops allocations for the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees to use in developing annual spending bills. Throughout this phase, NIFA’s Budget Staff monitors Congressional actions.
Analysis of previous Congressional actions is available on NIFA's archived budget information page.
Agency Budget Execution
After Congress passes the budget and the President signs it into law, funds are appropriated to federal agencies. Discretionary appropriations for NIFA are provided under the annual Agriculture Appropriations Act, while mandatory appropriations may be provided through the Farm Bill and other authorizing legislation under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committees. NIFA oversees how the budget is executed in the award of federal funds to support the agency’s grant programs.
Related Resources
- Office of Budget and Program Analysis — budget summaries, performance and evidence, and congressional justifications for all USDA agencies.
- Congress.gov — House and Senate Bills and Conference Reports
- Office of Management and Budget — additional federal budget information
Current Budget Resources
- NIFA’s Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget submission seeks funding to bolster scientific research in programs that enhance the nation’s resilience and response to climate change through innovative and new approaches.
- Access all Congressional Action documentation for Fiscal Year 2024