Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau CESU | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

This Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) funding opportunity, issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under the Colorado Plateau CESU (CPCESU), supports research and development to advance a new, higher-quality Global Cropland Area Database at nominal 30-meter resolution (GCAD30). The project focuses on producing global cropland information for two benchmark years, 2010 and 1990, using large-scale processing and analysis of satellite remote sensing data, specifically Landsat, MODIS, and AVHRR. The intent is to generate more accurate and more detailed cropland datasets than what is currently available, addressing persistent gaps in existing global cropland mapping products.

The funded work is aimed at delivering four distinct global products. First is a cropland extent/area layer that precisely maps where cropland exists, improving spatial accuracy compared with many older products that are too coarse or uncertain in location. Second is a crop type product with a targeted emphasis on eight major crops that collectively account for roughly 70 percent of global cropland area, meaning the project prioritizes the crops that dominate global agricultural landscapes and food supply chains. Third is a water management classification that separates irrigated agriculture from rainfed agriculture, a critical distinction for water resource planning, drought analysis, and understanding agricultural vulnerability. Fourth is a cropping intensity product that characterizes how frequently land is cropped, distinguishing single, double, triple, and continuous cropping patterns, which is important for estimating production potential, land use pressure, and seasonal dynamics in agricultural regions.

A central rationale for the award is that existing cropland maps have significant limitations that GCAD30 is designed to overcome. These limitations include poor or imprecise spatial location of cropped areas, reliance on coarse-resolution map products that introduce major uncertainty in both area estimates and geographic detail, and difficulty reliably differentiating irrigated fields from rainfed systems at global scales. Many existing products also lack consistent crop type attribution and do not capture cropping intensity, leaving important dimensions of agricultural activity unmeasured. In addition, the opportunity description notes the need for a dedicated web/data portal to disseminate these cropland products, emphasizing that improved access, distribution, and usability of outputs is part of the broader vision for the database.

From a broader impact standpoint, the resulting GCAD30 products are positioned to contribute to major national and international earth observation and monitoring efforts. The opportunity highlights relevance to Earth System Data Records (ESDRs), the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Agriculture and Water Societal Benefit Areas (GEO Ag. SBAs), and the GEO Global Agricultural Monitoring initiative (GEOGLAM). The work is also described as aligned with the White House Big Data initiative, reflecting the large-scale data processing, integration, and dissemination needs associated with building global 30-meter agricultural datasets across multiple decades.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity with support provided through a Cooperative Agreement, indicating substantial involvement or collaboration with the federal agency during project execution. USGS anticipated making one award, with an estimated total funding amount of $829,055. There was no cost sharing or matching requirement listed. The opportunity was posted May 14, 2013, with an original and current closing date of May 24, 2013, and an archive date of August 14, 2013. Eligibility was limited to organizations that are participating partners of the Colorado Plateau CESU program, consistent with CESU partnership rules that channel research and technical assistance through established cooperative networks.

The funding opportunity number is G13AS00035, and it is associated with CFDA 15.808 (U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection). The agency contact listed for access issues and assistance was Faith Graves (703-648-7356, fgraves@usgs.gov). The general application and listing were available through Grants.gov.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Geological Survey

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Next opportunity: DoD Gulf War Illness Investigator Initiated Research Award

Previous opportunity: Region 6 Aquatic Invasive Species

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 G13AS00035

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (G13AS00035) also looked into and applied for these:

 

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 "G13AS00035", 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.