The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative's Data Science for Food and Agricultural Systems program area priority focuses on intersections between data science/artificial intelligence (AI) and agricultural areas in order to enable systems and communities to effectively utilize data, improve resource management, and integrate new technologies and approaches to further U.S. food and agriculture enterprises.
DSFAS projects should be equally well grounded in agricultural sciences and in data science/AI, with high relevance and novelty in both areas. We especially welcome proposals in the areas of climate-smart agriculture and forestry, nutrition security, economic revitalization, and justice; projects that focus on intersections between one or more of these areas are also welcome.
DSFAS applications must fall under one of the following project types:
- Regular DSFAS applications for project periods of three to five years.
- DSFAS Coordinated Innovation Networks (CIN) research or integrated applications for project periods of three to five years. All CIN projects must address the following:
- Synergy: There should be a demonstrable benefit to the existence of a multidisciplinary, multi-sector, or multifunctional CIN that would not otherwise be possible by the participating entities and individuals operating independently.
- Contribution: Each participating individual or entity should have a unique, meaningful, and active contribution to the network that is critical to the network's functioning, performance, and success in addressing bottlenecks in critical areas.
- Continuity: There should be a sustainability plan for network persistence beyond the duration of initial grant support (e.g., identification of additional funding sources and/or more formal organizational arrangements).
- Management: There should be a plan for coordination and oversight including, but not limited to, communication, leadership, advisory boards, milestones, and evolution over time (e.g., new objectives or new participants).
3.DSFAS Coordinated Innovation Networks Climate/Food Supply Modeling (CIN-CM/FM) applications in the special focus area of climate or food supply chain modeling. Creative, novel projects that meet the overall goals of advancing climate modeling and/or examining transitions to robust, resilient, and cooperative food supply networks, and with a focus on underserved communities are welcome.
For more information, please read the DSFAS program area priority description in Part I, C of the AFRI Foundational and Applied Science RFA.
DSFAS Funding Opportunity
- AFRI Foundational and Applied Science RFA within Crosscutting Programs