The Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage Systems Program (ASAFS) is an integrated research and Extension program that supports technology transfer to improve overall agricultural productivity, profitability, and conservation of natural resources through conventional and organic alfalfa seed and forage production systems. ASAFS encourages applicants to establish interdisciplinary and multi-location regional research and Extension networks to address national priorities or regional science needs of the U.S. alfalfa industry. By bringing together expertise across multiple university, federal agency, and industry organizations and states, ASAFS projects seek to enhance the effectiveness of limited state, federal and industry resources and so produce greater long-lasting impacts.
In FY 2024, under Assistance Listing 10.330, ASAFS will support the development of improved alfalfa seed and forage production systems, practices, and supporting technologies. NIFA is soliciting applications for FY 2024 under the following areas: 1. Increasing alfalfa forage and seed yields and forage quality through improved management practices, plant breeding, and other strategies to reduce biotic and abiotic stresses and costs of production. 2. Improving alfalfa forage and seed harvest and storage systems, including automation that reduces labor costs, to optimize economic returns to alfalfa producers as well as end users including milk producers. 3. Developing methods to estimate alfalfa forage yield and quality to support marketing as a livestock feed and instruments to reduce producer risks. 4. Exploring new uses for alfalfa such as in fish feeds, nutritive supplements, alternative protein sources for human consumption, high-value chemical manufacturing or other novel uses. 5. Developing improved insect, disease and weed management strategies, including spotted aphid in alfalfa seed production and potential herbicide carry-over issues. 6. Documenting the contribution of alfalfa production systems to climate-smart agriculture, including the sequestration of carbon.