USDA’s Research Priorities and NIFA’s Role
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recently introduced priorities for future USDA funded research and development. These priorities reflect a focused effort to strengthen national security, protect U.S. agriculture and support American farmers, ranchers and consumers.
USDA’s Research, Education and Economics Mission (REE) area and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) form the heart of this effort. While our fellow REE agency, the Agricultural Research Service, conducts intramural research, NIFA is the extramural funding agency that partners with Land-grant Universities (LGUs) and others to conduct research across the nation that is locally relevant and applied.
NIFA serves as the bridge between federal investments and on-the-ground impact, supporting the scientists, Extension experts and producers who turn research into results for American agriculture.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of national security, rural prosperity and food security. The work funded and coordinated by NIFA ensures that research is not just theoretical, but practical and responsive to the needs of farmers, ranchers and producers.
The Secretary’s priorities provide a clear path forward for how NIFA-funded research, education and outreach will move America forward.
Let’s look at the five USDA research priorities and how they align with NIFA’s mission and capabilities in partnership with LGUs.
Increasing the profitability of farmers and ranchers
NIFA has long supported research that drives increased productivity, but productivity alone does not guarantee profitability.
Through competitive grants programs, capacity funding and Extension programs, NIFA will prioritize research that helps farmers better manage production and market volatility and reduce costs. This includes innovations in artificial intelligence and automation to address labor shortages; precision agriculture tools that improve water efficiency and reduce fertilizer and chemical inputs; and decision-support technologies that help producers rapidly respond to changing markets and growing conditions. Be sure to explore the FY26 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative when it is announced.
By aligning research funding with profitability outcomes, NIFA can better support innovation that reaches the farm gate and strengthens the prosperity and financial resilience of American producers.
Expanding markets and creating new uses for U.S. agricultural products
NIFA plays a critical role in supporting science that underpins market access and demand creation. Research funded through NIFA and fellow REE agencies, the National Agricultural Statistics Service and the Economic Research Service, generates the data needed to overcome trade barriers that restrict U.S. exports.
In addition, NIFA-supported research spurs innovation in biobased products, renewable materials and biofuels that expand the use of American-grown crops and livestock products. These investments help ensure that strong yields translate into strong demand, higher value and new opportunities for farmers, processors and rural communities.
Protecting the integrity of American agriculture from invasive species and disease
Few areas highlight NIFA’s importance more clearly than plant and animal health. Through partnerships with universities, Federal labs, and state agencies, NIFA supports research and education on early detection, prevention and control of invasives pests and diseases.
From Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and citrus greening to spotted lanternfly and New World screwworm, invasive threats demand science-based solutions. NIFA-funded research helps develop surveillance tools, treatment methods and management strategies to protect farms before outbreaks become crises. This work is essential not only to agricultural productivity, but to national food security and economic stability as well. Cooperative Extension is a critical link in every community in each step of this process. They are our eyes and ears on the ground taking these tools and discoveries to the field.
Promoting soil health to regenerate long-term productivity of the land
Soil health research has long been the bedrock of NIFA’s program portfolio, particularly through LGUs and Cooperative Extension. Farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists, and NIFA ensures that funded research is practical, voluntary and grounded in real-world conditions with outcomes that benefit both producers and the environment. Research and development that promotes soil health, increases water-use efficiency and reduces inputs helps farms and ranches remain productive for generations to come.
By investing in soil health, NIFA helps ensure that American farmland remains productive, resilient and profitable.
Improving human health through precision nutrition and food quality
Substantial and robust evidence shows that a healthy diet can help people achieve and maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases throughout their lives.
NIFA-supported research investigates ways to produce more nutrient-dense foods that can improve American diets. NIFA-managed, Extension-led nutrition education programs are at work in communities across the nation helping people of all ages understand how to integrate healthy diets into their daily lives. Increased research on precision nutrition will further our understanding of how healthy diet patterns impact individuals so more targeted, individualized nutritional recommendations can encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes and healthy families.
Additionally, research and development to increase the nutritional value, safety and quality of foods should lead to increased demand for and access to local agricultural products.
As we celebrate 2026 National Ag Week and the 250th anniversary of the Nation, let us remember that agriculture is foundational to our strength and health as a nation and the work we are doing today will help secure our future tomorrow.
Dr. Jaye Hamby
NIFA Director
Dr. Jaye Hamby, USDA photo.
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