The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) has announced the release of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development funding opportunity. The program is designed to address anticipated workforce shortages in fields such as agriculture, food, forestry, rangeland, and energy resources.
This funding opportunity aims to support education and training programs that strengthen the pipeline for skilled workers. A notable focus area is on artificial intelligence (AI), which is highlighted as an essential skill for future professionals in agriculture.
The available program areas include:
– Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy: This initiative seeks to increase the number of K–14 educational professionals trained in food and agricultural sciences. Projects are required to help educators integrate agricultural concepts into curricula, introduce students to career options, and build connections with industry and higher education. The maximum grant amount is $500,000 over three to four years, with a deadline of March 19, 2026.
– Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges: This program supports both new and expanded workforce training at community colleges to prepare students for technology-focused roles in agriculture. Design projects can receive up to $250,000 while implementation projects may be awarded up to $650,000. Grants can last one to four years with applications due by March 19, 2026.
– Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education: Projects under this category are aimed at fostering technology skills among youth interested in food and agriculture careers. Activities may include curriculum development around data science, AI, automation, robotics, gene editing, or biotechnology. The maximum grant amount is $650,000 over three to four years; applications are due March 19, 2026.
– Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates: This program provides undergraduate students with hands-on research or extension experiences in food and agricultural sciences. Each project can receive up to $650,000 for a duration of four years; applications are due March 19, 2026.
– Predoctoral Fellowships: These fellowships support doctoral students conducting dissertation research relevant to food and agricultural sciences. Each award provides up to $180,000 over three years; applications must be submitted by April 16, 2026.
– Postdoctoral Fellowships: Targeting early-career scientists establishing independent research or education programs after completing their doctorates in food or agricultural sciences. Grants offer up to $244,000 over two years; deadline is April 30, 2026.
– Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants: These grants fund workshops that bring together stakeholders focused on advancing literacy and workforce development within the sector. Topics may include AI-enabled education or experiential learning. Awards provide up to $50,000 per workshop; letters of intent must be submitted at least 255 days before the event begins.
A cost share or matching requirement applies for applied research grants unless a waiver is granted based on scope or commodity specificity.
For more information about eligibility criteria or application requirements—including specific details about each program area—interested applicants should consult the official request for proposals (RFP).
