Explore a curated list of USDA programs, grants, and tools designed to support agricultural research, innovation, and sustainability. From funding opportunities and technical guidance to data access and policy insights, these resources empower researchers to address challenges and drive advancements in agriculture, food systems, and rural development.
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
- AMS Grant Programs: Provides funding and resources aimed at improving agricultural marketing and expanding market opportunities for farmers and producers.
- Market News Reports: Publishes timely, accurate, and unbiased reports on market prices, conditions, and trends for agricultural commodities.
- Commodity Procurement Program: Supports the purchase of agricultural commodities for distribution in USDA nutrition assistance programs.
- AMS Services: Provides an overview of all services offers through the AMS including certification for organic, fair trade, and other agricultural standards to promote product authenticity and consumer trust.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
- ARS Opportunities: Provides funding to support innovative agricultural research addressing national and global food security challenges.
- ARS Partnerships, Patents and Licensing: Facilitates collaborations with universities, industry, and other organizations to advance agricultural science and technology.
- ARS Scientific Projects: Search research focused on improving crop production, pest management, and food safety.
- ARS Research: Offers access to valuable research support, data and tools that support agricultural research, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- APHIS Grant Programs: Offers financial support to initiatives focused on improving animal and plant health, pest and disease prevention, and biosecurity.
- APHIS eFile (Permits and Licensing): Issues permits for the import and export of regulated animals, plants, and products, ensuring compliance with international trade laws.
- APHIS Animal Care: Supports programs that promote animal disease prevention and improve livestock health across the U.S.
- APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine: Focuses on plant pest and disease management, protecting agriculture from harmful organisms and promoting healthy ecosystems.
Economic Research Service (ERS)
- ERS Research Reports: Publishes data-driven reports on agricultural economics, rural development, and food systems, informing policy decisions and market strategies.
- ERS Data Products and Tools: Provides access to economic data tools that assist policymakers, farmers, and researchers in understanding agricultural and rural economies.
- ERS Publications and Analysis: Delivers comprehensive analyses on agricultural production, trade, and economic impacts, offering insights into national and global trends.
- ERS Policies and Standards: Offers analytical support to federal, state, and local governments in developing agricultural policies and economic strategies.
- ERS Analysis: Get insights and objective analysis from experts in the field.
- FSA Loan Programs: Provides low-interest loans to farmers and ranchers for purchasing land, equipment, and implementing conservation practices.
- FSA Resources: Offers a listing all resources available through the USDA FSA.
- FSA Conservation Programs: Supports farmers in implementing environmentally sustainable practices through cost-sharing and technical assistance programs.
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
- FNS Grant Programs: Provides funding to support nutrition and food access initiatives that promote public health and reduce food insecurity.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Administers federal funding for the SNAP program, helping low-income individuals and families access nutritious food.
- WIC Program: Supports the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, providing nutritious food and educational resources to mothers and young children.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- FSIS Grant Programs: Provides funding to research and develop solutions to improve food safety practices in food production and processing.
- FSIS Regulatory Guidance: Offers regulatory frameworks and guidance on ensuring food safety across various sectors of the food industry.
- FSIS Data & Reports: Publishes data on food safety and inspection outcomes, ensuring transparency and accountability in food production.
- FSIS Training & Education: Supports training initiatives for food industry professionals to improve food safety practices and compliance with federal regulations.
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
- FAS International Programs: Administers programs that promote agricultural trade, market development, and export opportunities for U.S. farmers.
- FAS Market Access Program: Provides support and resources to U.S. producers seeking to expand into international markets and access foreign trade agreements.
- FAS Research & Analysis: Offers valuable research and reports on global agricultural markets, trends, and trade policies.
- FAS Commodity Export Assistance: Supports U.S. agricultural exporters with resources, funding, and policy advocacy to grow global market shares.
- USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Fellowships & Exchanges: designed to enable researchers, policymakers, and agricultural specialists to strengthen their agriculture in developing countries.
- FS Conservation Programs: Focuses on promoting the sustainable use and conservation of national forests, including wildlife habitats and water resources.
- FS Grant and Funding Opportunities: Provides funding for projects aimed at preserving forest ecosystems, restoring landscapes, and mitigating climate impacts.
- FS Forest Stewardship: Helps landowners implement sustainable land management practices that promote biodiversity and soil health.
- FS Contracts and Commercial Permits: Forest Service contractors perform a wide range of services including housekeeping, fire and aviation support, construction, transportation, equipment leasing, special studies and analyses, information technology and professional, management and administrative support.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
- NIFA Research Grants: Provides funding for agricultural research and innovation, addressing challenges in food production, sustainability, and nutrition.
- NIFA Cooperative Extension Programs: Provides funding to land-grant universities and cooperative extension services to deliver research-based educational programs.
- NIFA Capacity-Building Grants: Supports the development of institutional capacity to advance agricultural sciences and improve food systems.
- USDA NIFA Grants Lifecycle
- USDA NIFA Grants Application Guide
- NIFA Application Guide: Offers tips and best practices for writing clear and compelling grant proposals for agricultural research and development.
- NIFA Frequently Asked Questions: Answers common questions related to the proposal submission process, eligibility, and program guidelines for NIFA grants.
- NIFA Proposal Review Process: Provides insight into how proposals are evaluated, including criteria for scientific merit, feasibility, and impact.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- NRCS Conservation Programs and Initiatives: Offers financial assistance and technical support for implementing conservation practices on agricultural land to protect natural resources.
- NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Provides cost-sharing for farmers and ranchers to adopt conservation practices that protect soil, water, and wildlife.
- NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Encourages landowners to maintain and improve the health of their land by adopting sustainable practices.
- NRCS Technical Assistance: Provides expert guidance to help farmers and landowners develop conservation plans that align with environmental goals.
- NRCS Guides and Instructions: a collection of resources that provide technical information and guidance on various conservation practices.
- NRCS Data and Reports: access a variety of data and reports related to natural resources, such as soil surveys, water quality data, and conservation program statistics.
- RMA Crop Insurance Programs: Offers insurance products to protect farmers and ranchers from financial losses due to crop failure or price fluctuations.
- RMA Risk Management Education: Provides educational resources and training to help producers understand and manage agricultural risks.
- RMA Tools and Resources: Supports private insurance providers and offers outreach services to ensure widespread access to risk management tools.
- RMA Programs for Specialty Crops: find outlines of the various crop insurance programs and other risk management tools available specifically for producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other specialty crops.
- RMA Partnership Projects: Every year RMA funds partnership projects, through cooperative agreements, with nonprofits, universities, industry groups, and others to deliver risk management education and training across the country.
- RMA Highlights Initiatives and Plans: showcases key initiatives, projects, and strategic plans undertaken by the RMA to improve crop insurance programs and better serve farmers.
- RD Programs and Services: Provides funding and technical assistance for projects that enhance rural communities through infrastructure improvements, business development, and community services.
- RD Rural Business Programs: Supports the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural areas through loans, grants, and technical assistance.
- RD Florida & U.S. Virgin Islands Rural Development State Office: the central hub for the USDA Rural Development (RD) State Office serving Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- RD Resources: provides access to a variety of valuable information and tools for individuals and organizations interested in rural development.
Other Research Related USDA Programs
- USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: Funding for small businesses in agriculture.
- USDA Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE): Grants for sustainable farming practices, research and Education.
- USDA Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants: designed to help institutions develop competitive projects in high-priority areas of national need.
- USDA Digital Service Fellowship: brings highly experienced practitioners to accelerate the design, development, and delivery of customer-centric services.
