New Research Grants Open for Ag and Food Innovations

By Andi Anderson

Various funding opportunities have been announced for researchers, farmers, and organizations interested in agriculture, environmental sustainability, health, and innovation.

These grants span local, national, and federal levels and include support for both research and outreach.

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) is accepting proposals for a manure management literature review.

This short-term project requires an expert in dairy manure to produce a white paper on critical research gaps. Applications are open until a successful candidate is chosen.

FFAR also runs the Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) program. It offers quick funding to address unexpected threats to food systems, helping fill the gap before long-term funding is secured. This opportunity is ongoing.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding technology development to enhance the use of animal models in research. The focus is on tools that improve reproducibility and application across different health fields. Deadline: June 5, 2025.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports research under its Environmental Sustainability program. The goal is to promote ecological balance through sustainable engineering. Proposals are accepted year-round.

The USDA invites applications for its AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program, supporting projects in six major agricultural areas. Deadline: July 17, 2025.

Additional grants are available from the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, Ohio Soybean Council, California Apple Commission, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (climate and health grants). Deadlines vary by program.

Internally, the President’s Research Excellence Program and Innovation and Commercialization Grants at Ohio State University support AI, materials science, and multidisciplinary projects. Deadlines range from April 11 to April 18, 2025.

These funding calls provide vital support for innovation and sustainability across the agriculture and food sectors.

Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska