NIFA grants for fundamental and applied research to enable discovery of solutions to complex problems of regional, national, and global importance.
We focus on supporting programs that provide foundational knowledge as well as programs that address critical issues facing the long-term viability of agriculture. NIFA is the USDA's extramural research agency, funding individuals; institutions; and public, private, and non-profit organizations. Our grants enable researchers to address problems critical to our nation’s farmers and ranchers, consumers, and communities.
Funding National Priorities
Congress appropriates funds to areas of agriculture and food-related sciences with high potential to address key challenge areas. NIFA's scientific staff then implements congressional intent into comprehensive, high-priority research or integrated programs and releases requests for applications (RFAs).
NIFA funds applied research in a range of high-priority areas:
- Food Security
- Climate Variability and Change
- Water
- Sustainable Bioenergy
- Childhood Obesity Prevention
- Food Safety