FOA-Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) - Sustainable Agricultural Systems (USDA-NIFA-AFRI-007892); deadline varies

 

Agency

US Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

 

Description

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) - Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Grants Program (USDA-NIFA-AFRI-007892).  The purpose of the SAS Program Area is to promote the sustainable supply of abundant, affordable, safe, nutritious, and accessible food and other agricultural products, while enhancing economic opportunities and improving the long-term health and well-being of all Americans. Four of its overarching themes for research, education, and economics are used in this RFA, which solicits applications for projects focused on:

 

(1) sustainable agricultural intensification;

(2) agricultural climate adaptation;

(3) value-added innovation; and/or

(4) food and nutrition translation.

 

This RFA is soliciting creative and visionary project applications developed by transdisciplinary teams that integrate research, education, and extension activities and effectively use a systems approach to promote convergence of science and technology to solve challenges to current and future food and agricultural production systems. Economic sustainability of the food systems is an overarching priority for the projects funded in response to this RFA. The RFA also encourages projects that use genome design, prescriptive interventions, artificial intelligence and data, systems management, and/or automation for providing solutions in the topic areas of focus.

 

Projects must use a systems approach that recognizes and utilizes the convergence of rapidly advancing science and technology platforms including biotechnology, data science, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, information science, cognitive science, public engagement and others to address these complex and intertwined problems, and ensure the economic, environmental, and community well-being goals of sustainable agriculture. Projects must include demonstrable efforts that enhance formal and nonformal education and training. This includes education of the current and next generation of farmers, workers, and scientists who must be equipped to use new skills, technologies, training, and experiences to find and implement solutions to global food and agricultural challenges. Extension and other engagement should produce significant behavioral changes leading to sustainable production and consumption practices and improving the health and well-being of the public.

 

Announcement Number:

USDA-NIFA-AFRI-007892

 

Closing Date:

LOI and closing date vary by program area. Please see announcement for full details.

 

Link to Full Announcement

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=329768

 

Contact Information

Mathieu Ngouajio

AFRI-SAS@usda.gov