These are some Frequently Asked Questions about the AFRI Strengthening Agricultural Systems program.
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General Advice for Applicants
- Read the NOFO carefully to make sure your application covers the required information and fits the program.
- Visit NIFA’s 20 Tips for Grant Writing Success for helpful tips on preparing your application.
- Applications in A9201 and A9231 must be for “fully” integrated projects, addressing research, education, and extension, submitted as either Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) Grant or Strengthening Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) Grant. Applications for any other grant type in the Strengthening Agricultural Systems (A9201) program area priority will be returned without review.
- The Assistance Listing Number is 10.310 and the Assistance Listing title is Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is USDA-NIFA-AFRI- 011677.
- Strengthening Agricultural Systems Program Code Name is A9201
- Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences Program Code Name is Code A9231.
- All documents in an application submission need to be saved as PDF. NIFA does not accept MS Word documents as part of applications. Failure to include any of the three critical required documents will result in the application not being reviewed or considered for funding by NIFA. 1) Project Summary/Abstract, 2) Project Narrative, or 3) Bibliography & References Cited as PDF attachments Detailed AFRI evaluation criteria are found on the AFRI Resources page (“FY 2026 AFRI Review Criteria” in the attachments list) which is linked from Part V, B of the NOFO. In addition to the requirements in the program description, the review criteria may clarify what the peer review panel will be looking for in all SAS program area priority applications, specifically the Integrated Project Applications section.
- We advise that applications be submitted early in case of issues with Grants.gov, which can take some time to resolve.
AFRI Sustainable Agricultural Systems RFA Frequently Asked Questions
Page last updated: March 16, 2026