Applications are open for USDA AFRI Education and Workforce Development Grants 2026. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), has announced the 2026 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development (EWD) funding opportunity. The program aims to strengthen the future workforce in agriculture, food systems, environmental sciences, and related disciplines by supporting education, training, research, and professional development initiatives.
With an estimated total funding pool of $39.7 million, the AFRI Education and Workforce Development program seeks to develop the next generation of researchers, educators, extension professionals, and industry leaders who can address emerging challenges in agriculture, food security, sustainability, and technology.
The AFRI Education and Workforce Development program focuses on building a strong talent pipeline for the food and agricultural sciences sector. Through competitive grants and fellowships, the initiative supports institutions, organizations, and individuals working to improve educational opportunities and workforce readiness.
The program is designed to expand access to training and career development opportunities across multiple educational levels, from K-14 education to postgraduate research and professional development.
USDA AFRI Education and Workforce Development Grants Focus Areas
The AFRI EWD program will support projects in the following areas:
- Professional development opportunities for K-14 educational professionals
- Non-formal agricultural and food science education programs for youth
- Workforce training initiatives at community, junior, and technical colleges
- Research and extension training opportunities for undergraduate students
- Predoctoral fellowship programs
- Postdoctoral fellowship programs
- Education and workforce development workshop grants
These investments are intended to strengthen educational pathways while preparing students and professionals for careers in agriculture, science, technology, environmental management, and related sectors.
Funding Details
Applicants may compete for grants ranging from $10,000 to $650,000, depending on the project category and funding priorities.
- Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011596
- Estimated Total Funding: $39,700,000
- Award Range: $10,000 – $650,000
- Posted Date: January 20, 2026
- Closing Date: December 31, 2026
- Cost Sharing Requirement: Matching funds are required for certain project categories
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for detailed funding requirements and project-specific guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria for USDA AFRI Education and Workforce Development Grants
The AFRI Education and Workforce Development program welcomes applications from a wide range of eligible institutions and organizations.
Eligible applicants include:
- 1862 Land-Grant Institutions
- 1890 Land-Grant Institutions
- 1994 Land-Grant Institutions
- State-controlled institutions of higher education
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions
- Small businesses
- For-profit organizations
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status
- Tribal organizations
- Individual applicants
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the project type. Applicants should consult the current AFRI EWD Request for Applications (RFA) to determine their specific eligibility status.
Priority Areas and Research Topics
The program supports projects addressing a broad range of agricultural, environmental, technological, and educational priorities.
Key focus areas include:
- Advanced technologies
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Agriculture technology
- Sustainable agriculture
- Organic agriculture
- Food and nutrition security
- Prevention of diet-related diseases
- Crop production
- Plant breeding
- Plant health
- Soil management
- Water resources
- Ecosystem sustainability
- Natural resource economics
- Markets and trade
- Animal agriculture
- Food safety
- Bioeconomy
These themes reflect USDA’s commitment to supporting innovation and workforce development across the agricultural sector.
How To Apply for USDA AFRI Education and Workforce Development Grants
Click Here to Apply and For more details
Application Deadline: December 31, 2026
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