Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI): Education and Workforce Development Program The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) – Education and Workforce Development (EWD) program is a flagship funding opportunity administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program is designed to strengthen the education and training pipeline for the food and agricultural sciences by supporting initiatives that prepare the next generation of researchers, educators, extension professionals, and skilled workers. Through targeted investments in education, professional development, and workforce training, the AFRI EWD program addresses critical talent gaps while promoting innovation, equity, and long-term sustainability across the agricultural sector. Program Purpose and Focus The AFRI EWD program focuses on developing human capital across the full education continuum. Rather than supporting research alone, the program prioritises learning, skills development, and career pathways that respond to evolving challenges in food systems, agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. Funded projects are expected to: Build capacity within educational institutions and community-based organisations Strengthen workforce readiness in agriculture and food-related fields Promote inclusive participation in agricultural education and careers Align education and training with industry, community, and societal needs Supported Funding Areas The program supports a wide range of project types that collectively address education, training, and professional advancement. These include: Professional development opportunities for K–14 educational professionals Non-formal education programs that cultivate youth interest in food and agriculture Workforce training initiatives at community, junior, and technical colleges Undergraduate training programs focused on research and extension experiences Predoctoral fellowships to support doctoral-level training Postdoctoral fellowships to advance early-career researchers Education and workforce development workshop grants Each project type is designed to strengthen specific points along the education-to-employment pathway while contributing to a more skilled and diverse agricultural workforce. Eligibility Overview Eligibility for AFRI EWD funding varies depending on the project type. A broad range of institutions and organisations may apply, including but not limited to: 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Institutions State-controlled institutions of higher education Hispanic-Serving Institutions Nonprofit organisations with or without 501(c)(3) status For-profit organisations (excluding small businesses, unless specified) Small businesses Individuals Native American Tribal organisations (non-federally recognised) Applicants are advised to carefully review the current Request for Applications (RFA), as eligibility requirements and restrictions may differ across funding tracks. Applications from ineligible entities will not be reviewed. Funding Details The AFRI EWD program represents a substantial federal investment in education and workforce development: Estimated total program funding: USD 39.7 million Award range: USD 10,000 to USD 650,000 Cost sharing: Matching funds are required for some project types (see NOFO for details) Funding amounts and requirements vary by project category, scope, and duration. Key Dates and Application Information Posted date: January 20, 2026 Closing date: December 31, 2026 Funding opportunity number: USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011596 Assistance listing number: 10.310 Applicants must submit proposals in accordance with the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which outlines project requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission procedures. Dates may vary by project type, and applicants should rely on the NOFO for exact deadlines. Priority Topics and Disciplines The AFRI EWD program supports education and training initiatives across a broad range of thematic areas, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern agricultural systems. Priority topics include: Advanced and emerging technologies Biotechnology, nanotechnology, and the bioeconomy Food safety, nutrition security, and diet-related disease prevention Sustainable and organic agriculture Crop production, plant breeding, and plant health Animal systems and natural resource management Soil, water, ecosystems, and environmental resilience Agricultural markets, trade, and natural resource economics Education innovation and workforce development Projects are encouraged to integrate technical knowledge with practical skills and community impact. Accessibility and Language Support NIFA is committed to equitable access to funding opportunities. Applicants may request: Reasonable accommodations for application materials or events Language access services, including interpretation and translation, at no cost Requests must be submitted at least ten days prior to the relevant deadline. Strategic Importance By investing in education and workforce development, the AFRI EWD program plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term vitality of U.S. agriculture and food systems. The program supports institutions and individuals working to address workforce shortages, enhance agricultural literacy, and equip learners with the skills needed to navigate complex global challenges related to food, health, and sustainability. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the funding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.