Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 003850
Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 003850
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Food Safety" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.310 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 15, 2012 and posted on Jun 25, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 5, 2012 In FY 2012, all Program Areas within the Food Safety Challenge Area require a Letter of Intent for submission of an application. For those programs requiring a Letter of Intent, a letter is required for all19 grant types except Conference Grant applications. Refer to Part IV, A (page ) for instructions on the preparation of a Letter of Intent.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $5,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $800,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Individuals Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) For profit organizations other than small businesses Small businesses Private institutions of higher education Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- Eligibility is linked to the project type5 requested in Program Area Descriptions beginning in Part I, C (page ). All project types are described beginning in Part II, C (page 10). Eligible institutions for multi functional Integrated Projects are described in paragraph #1 below.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Food Safety opportunity (USDA NIFA AFRI 003850) is a discretionary grant program run by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture that focuses on strengthening the science of food safety across the entire food system. The central purpose is to protect consumers from both microbial and chemical contaminants that can enter or spread at any point from on-farm production through processing, distribution, retail handling, and ultimately consumption. A key theme is that food safety is not just a narrow laboratory issue, but a connected, real-world problem that sits at the intersection of human health, animal health, and ecosystem health, especially when dealing with foodborne pathogens and contamination pathways. The long-range goal is to reduce foodborne illness and deaths by improving the overall safety of the food supply, which in turn is expected to lessen public health burdens and reduce economic losses tied to outbreaks, recalls, and medical costs.
The program is structured to support a range of project formats depending on the scope and goals of the work. It funds single-function Research Projects as well as multi-function Integrated Projects that can combine Research with Education and/or Extension components. This means applicants can propose purely research-driven work (for example, identifying contamination routes or developing detection methods), or they can design broader projects that also train students and professionals, develop curricula, and translate findings into practical outreach for producers, processors, regulators, and communities. The program also offers Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants, which are intended to strengthen the food and agricultural sciences and can be used to support certain categories of applicants or project needs as laid out in the program guidance. Projects must align with one of the program area priorities described in the official Food Safety Request for Applications (RFA), which is the main document that spells out the topical priorities and expectations for each track.
Financially, the opportunity lists an estimated total funding level of about $5,000,000 for the cycle described. Individual awards can be as large as $800,000, with no stated minimum award floor. The listing indicates that cost sharing or matching is required, so applicants should expect to document and justify matching contributions in accordance with the rules for the specific project type they pursue. Eligibility is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) organizations as well as certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, individuals, Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), and other entities as further clarified in the announcement. However, eligibility is also tied to the specific project type requested; some integrated project categories may have additional eligibility constraints detailed in the RFA sections referenced in the notice.
From an application process standpoint, this funding cycle required a Letter of Intent (LOI) for submission of an application across all program areas within the Food Safety Challenge Area for FY 2012, with the main exception being conference grant applications. The announcement emphasizes that LOIs were required for nearly all grant types and points applicants to the instructions section of the RFA for formatting and submission details. Key dates for this archived opportunity include a posted date of June 25, 2012, an original closing date of November 14, 2012, and a revised current closing date of December 5, 2012, with an archive date of January 14, 2013. The funding falls under CFDA 10.310 (Agriculture and Food Research Initiative), which is the umbrella federal assistance listing for AFRI.
For practical support, the notice directs applicants who cannot access the announcement electronically to contact the NIFA Help Desk by phone (202-401-5048) during standard weekday business hours (Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays). It also notes that application content questions can be addressed through the channels described in the full announcement. Overall, the opportunity is geared toward advancing actionable, scientifically rigorous food safety solutions, including tools, knowledge, and outreach that help prevent contamination and reduce the real-world incidence and consequences of foodborne disease.
AFRI Food Safety (USDA NIFA AFRI 003850) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the AFRI Food Safety opportunity (USDA NIFA AFRI 003850)?
The AFRI Food Safety opportunity is a discretionary grant program run by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). It supports projects that strengthen the science of food safety across the entire food system.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The central purpose is to protect consumers from microbial and chemical contaminants that can enter or spread at any point from on-farm production through processing, distribution, retail handling, and consumption.
What kinds of contamination issues does the program focus on?
The program focuses on both microbial contaminants (such as foodborne pathogens) and chemical contaminants, including how they enter the food system and how contamination can spread through real-world pathways.
What parts of the food system are included in the scope?
The scope spans the entire food system, from on-farm production to processing, distribution, retail handling, and ultimately consumption.
How does this opportunity frame food safety as a broader problem?
It emphasizes that food safety is not only a laboratory issue. It is treated as a connected, real-world challenge at the intersection of human health, animal health, and ecosystem health, especially when addressing foodborne pathogens and contamination pathways.
What long-range outcomes is the program trying to achieve?
The long-range goal is to reduce foodborne illness and deaths by improving the overall safety of the food supply. The opportunity also anticipates reduced public health burdens and lower economic losses tied to outbreaks, recalls, and medical costs.
What types of projects can be funded?
The opportunity supports single-function Research Projects and multi-function Integrated Projects. Integrated Projects can combine Research with Education and/or Extension components.
What is the difference between Research Projects and Integrated Projects?
Research Projects are single-function and research-focused. Integrated Projects are multi-function and may combine research activities with education efforts (such as training and curriculum development) and/or extension efforts (such as outreach and translating findings into practice).
What are examples of activities that might fit under a Research Project?
Examples mentioned include identifying contamination routes or developing detection methods for contaminants. (Specific allowable activities and expectations are detailed in the official Food Safety Request for Applications.)
What are examples of activities that might fit under an Integrated Project?
Integrated Projects may include training students and professionals, developing curricula, and translating research findings into practical outreach for producers, processors, regulators, and communities, in addition to research.
What are FASE Grants in this program?
The program also offers Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants. These are intended to strengthen the food and agricultural sciences and can be used to support certain categories of applicants or project needs as described in the program guidance.
Do projects need to match specific topic priorities?
Yes. Projects must align with one of the program area priorities described in the official Food Safety Request for Applications (RFA), which outlines topical priorities and expectations for each track.
Where are the program priorities and detailed requirements described?
The official Food Safety Request for Applications (RFA) is described as the main document that spells out topical priorities and expectations, including instructions for formatting and submission.
How much total funding was estimated for this cycle?
The opportunity lists an estimated total funding level of about $5,000,000 for the cycle described.
What is the maximum award size?
Individual awards can be as large as $800,000.
Is there a minimum award amount?
No minimum award floor is stated in the provided opportunity information.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. The listing indicates that cost sharing or matching is required. Applicants should be prepared to document and justify matching contributions according to the rules for the specific project type pursued.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) organizations and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, individuals, Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), and other entities as clarified in the announcement.
Does eligibility depend on the project type?
Yes. Eligibility is tied to the specific project type requested. Some integrated project categories may have additional eligibility constraints detailed in the RFA sections referenced in the notice.
Was a Letter of Intent (LOI) required?
Yes. For this funding cycle, a Letter of Intent (LOI) was required for submission of an application across all program areas within the Food Safety Challenge Area for FY 2012.
Were there any exceptions to the LOI requirement?
Yes. The main exception noted was for conference grant applications.
Where would applicants find LOI formatting and submission instructions?
The notice points applicants to the instructions section of the RFA for LOI formatting and submission details.
What were the key dates for this opportunity?
Key dates included a posted date of June 25, 2012, an original closing date of November 14, 2012, a revised current closing date of December 5, 2012, and an archive date of January 14, 2013.
What does it mean that the opportunity is archived?
The information provided lists an archive date of January 14, 2013, indicating this is an archived opportunity for that cycle and timeframe.
What CFDA number is associated with this funding?
The funding falls under CFDA 10.310, the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) federal assistance listing.
Who can applicants contact if they cannot access the announcement electronically?
Applicants who cannot access the announcement electronically were directed to contact the NIFA Help Desk by phone at 202-401-5048 during standard weekday business hours (Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays).
Where should applicants direct questions about application content?
The notice indicates that application content questions can be addressed through the channels described in the full announcement.
Who are the intended audiences or end users for outreach components?
For projects with extension or outreach elements, the notice highlights translating findings into practical outreach for producers, processors, regulators, and communities.
What types of real-world impacts does the program expect from funded projects?
The opportunity is geared toward actionable, scientifically rigorous food safety solutions, including tools, knowledge, and outreach that help prevent contamination and reduce the incidence and consequences of foodborne disease.
Browse more business programs for Agriculture Services, Food Research Programs, Food Safety Research
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture
Next opportunity: Beaver Creek
Previous opportunity: Commander Islands Sea Otter Surveys
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 003850
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NIFA AFRI 003850) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Accelerating the Dispersal and Impact of the Predatory beetle Laricobius nigrinus against Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges tsugae in the 7 County High Country Region of Northwestern North Carolina Apply for USDA GRANTS 070312 001 Funding Number: USDA GRANTS 070312 001 Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative Technical Assistance Apply for USDA NRCS 12 MD 003 Funding Number: USDA NRCS 12 MD 003 Agency: Maryland State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Global Hunger and Food Security Research Strategy Climate Resilience, Nutrition, and Policy Apply for RFA OAA 12 000036 Funding Number: RFA OAA 12 000036 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000,000 |
| DRAFT PD FOR SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS Apply for NIGERIA DRAFT PD 620 13 00001 Funding Number: NIGERIA DRAFT PD 620 13 00001 Agency: Nigeria USAID Abuja Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Feed the Future Agriculture Technology Transfer Project Apply for USAD GHANA RFA 641 13 000001 Funding Number: USAD GHANA RFA 641 13 000001 Agency: Ghana USAID Accra Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $15,500,000 |
| Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost Share Program Apply for AMS NOP 12 0057 Funding Number: AMS NOP 12 0057 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,425,000 |
| Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA TCRGP 003993 Funding Number: USDA NIFA TCRGP 003993 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Scientific Cooperation Research Program Apply for SCRP 2013 RFA Funding Number: SCRP 2013 RFA Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| Support to Vulnerable Households (SVH) for Accelerated Rrevenue Earnings Apply for RFA 620 13 000001 Funding Number: RFA 620 13 000001 Agency: Nigeria USAID Abuja Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| India Africa Agriculture Innovation Bridge Program Apply for APS 386 13 000001 Funding Number: APS 386 13 000001 Agency: India USAID New Delhi Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Albania Critical Economic Growth Areas (ACEGA) APS Apply for APS 182 13 000001 Funding Number: APS 182 13 000001 Agency: Hungary USAID Budapest Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Feed the Future Food Security Innovation Lab Collaborative Research on Sorghum and Millet Apply for RFA OAA 13 000003 Funding Number: RFA OAA 13 000003 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $13,700,000 |
| USAID/Rwanda Private Sector Driven Agricultural Growth Apply for AID PRE SOL 696 13 00001 Funding Number: AID PRE SOL 696 13 00001 Agency: Rwanda USAID Kigali Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program with Peoples Republic of China Apply for USDA 2013 SCEP Funding Number: USDA 2013 SCEP Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Farmer to Farmer Program Apply for SOL OAA 13 00006 Funding Number: SOL OAA 13 00006 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
| 2013 Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ 13 03 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NHQ 13 03 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| NRCS Iowa Conservation Innovation Grants FY2013 Apply for 69 6114 13 Funding Number: 69 6114 13 Agency: USDA NRCS Iowa State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Connecticut Conservation Innovation Grant Opportunity for Funding Apply for USDA NRCS CT 13 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS CT 13 01 Agency: NRCS Connecticut State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Conservation Innovative Grants Apply for USDA NRCS ID 13 09 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ID 13 09 Agency: Idaho State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Farmer to Farmer Program Special Program Support Project (SPSP) Program Apply for RFA OAA 13 000007 Funding Number: RFA OAA 13 000007 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $13,300,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA NIFA AFRI 003850", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.