Agriculture provides most of the food we consume. Finding better and safer ways to grow and process food is in the best interests of human society. For this reason, the federal government provides grants to rural agricultural institutions and businesses to conduct research and improve agricultural practices in the United States.
NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant Program
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture offers grant money through the NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant Program. According to the AFRI website, these funds are intended for use in six primary areas: "plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition and health; renewable energy, natural resources and environment; agriculture systems and technology, and agriculture economics and rural communities." Eligible applicants include individuals, universities and for-profit businesses large and small. Awards can be as large as $40 million. Prospective applicants should visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture or contact NIFA for more information.
ATTN: Mark Poth
United States Department of Agriculture
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 2201
Washington, DC 20250-2201
Phone: (202) 401 - 5244
Fax: (202) 401 - 2653
Email: mpoth@nifa.usda.gov
www.usda.gov
NIFA Critical Agricultural Materials Grants
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture also offers Critical Agricultural Materials Grants annually. According to the NIFA website, Critical Agricultural Materials Grants are awarded to "the domestic production and manufacture of crop-based materials that are of strategic and industrial importance" and that "replace petroleum-based products." Paints, adhesives and coatings are examples of such products. The CAM grants range from $500,000 to $1 million. Individuals, research institutions and businesses are eligible. Those interested in applying should visit the USDA website or contact the NIFA for more details.
ATTN: Carmela Bailey
United States Department of Agriculture
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 2201
Washington, DC 20250-2201
Phone: (202) 401 - 6443
Fax: (202) 401 - 5172
Email: cbailey@nifa.usda.gov
www.usda.gov
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture awards grants every year under the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. These grants are intended to offset the anticipated retirement of large numbers of experienced ranchers and farmers in the coming decade and are awarded to "beginning farms" where one or more operators have less than 10 years of experience. The amount of the awards varies by institution. Interested applicants should visit the USDA website or contact the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for further information.
ATTN: Siva Sureshwaran
United States Department of Agriculture
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 2201
Washington, DC 20250-2201
Phone: (202) 720 - 7536
Fax: (202) 401 - 6070
Email: ssureshwaran@nifa.usda.gov
www.usda.gov
Tags: Food Agriculture, Institute Food, Institute Food Agriculture, National Institute, National Institute Food, Department Agriculture, United States