NIFA Update--March 25, 2026

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture sent this bulletin at 03/25/2026 05:30 PM EDT

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Maggie Lawrence, Editor

March 25, 2026

Donald Adams using a lift to reach the cab of his tractor. Image courtesy of University of Georgia.

Making a Difference

UGA's AgrAbility Delivers Adaptive Tools and Hope for Georgia Farmers

When a half-ton bale struck Donald Adams’ head, the future of his family farm was suddenly uncertain. Although farming looks different for the Adams family today, Adams is back on his land and caring for his cattle, thanks in part to the Georgia AgrAbility program.

Supported by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Georgia’s AgrAbility program has helped farmers and agricultural workers with disabilities maintain their independence since 2005. Each AgrAbility partnership begins with a farm assessment and an accommodation request to ensure that farmers receive the equipment and support they need.

Learn more about the program, which is coordinated by the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Institute on Human Development and Disability in UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Donald Adams using a lift to reach the cab of his tractor. Image courtesy of University of Georgia.

NIFA Launches New Rapid Response Grant Opportunity to Combat Emerging Agricultural Threats

NIFA has launched a new competitive grant opportunity designed to rapidly address emerging and re-emerging pest and disease threats across the nation’s food and agricultural systems. The program, Rapid Response to Emerging and Re-emerging Pest and Disease Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems, aims to deliver timely, science-based solutions that protect agricultural productivity, ecosystem health and food security.

With awards of up to $500,000 and project durations of 12 to 24 months, this opportunity supports research, Extension and integrated projects. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis within 180 days of a qualifying pest or disease event, ensuring that resources can be mobilized quickly when new threats arise. Read more about this new funding opportunity.

USDA Implements SciENcv Requirement for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support Forms

USDA has fully implemented the use of SciENcv for preparing the USDA Biographical Sketch and USDA Current and Pending (Other) Support common forms, in alignment with the new U.S. Department of Agriculture General Terms and Conditions for Federal Awards and the government‑wide research security efforts under NSPM‑33. Applicants should now prepare these documents using SciENcv.

For proposals currently in development, applicants may submit the biographical sketch and current and pending support documents they have already collected. However, if selected for funding, all senior personnel are required to provide SciENcv-certified versions of both forms prior to award issuance.

NIFA encourages applicants and collaborators to begin using SciENcv as early as possible. The system is rapidly becoming the federal standard, and early adoption will streamline future submissions and reduce administrative burden.

For more information and detailed instructions, please refer to the NIFA Application Guide or email policyguide@usda.gov.

NIFA will host a webinar on Wednesday, April 15 at 1p.m. CDT to introduce the newly established USDA General Terms and Conditions and discuss updates to NIFA’s agency‑specific Terms and Conditions. The session will also provide guidance on using SciENcv and is designed to help applicants, awardees and research administrators prepare for these changes.

Information about the following program area priorities—including program contacts, types of projects allowed and more—can be found in the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development NOFO.

Predoctoral Fellowships (A7101) April 16
Postdoctoral Fellowships (A7201) April 30
Education and Workforce Development Workshop Grants (A7001) Continuous throughout the year but at least 210 days before the start of the workshop and upon invitation after submission of a Letter of Intent at least 255 days before the workshop begins.

Deadline March 26

Strengthening Agricultural Systems

Deadline April 23

Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences

Continuously Accepted

Veterinary Services Grant Program—April 16
OREI Planning Projects for Assistance in Development of Future OREI Proposals Requiring Multiregional or Regional Coordination–May 14
OREI Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components–May 14
OREI Workshop Projects—May 14

Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative Technical Assistance Webinar—Monday, April 13 at noon CDT

Brown belted bumble bees on rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) in prairie planting. Image courtesy of Iowa State University/ Amy Toth.

Iowa State Research Confirms Prairie Strips’ Value for Pollinators

More than a decade of field studies, laboratory analyses and landscape-scale research at Iowa State University shows that pollinator habitat embedded within conventional farming systems provides broad benefits.

The team’s research demonstrates that prairie strips support more abundant and diverse pollinator communities than fields without them. Native bees, monarch butterflies and other insects benefit from better forage, improved nesting habitat and protection from tillage. The work also shows clear advantages for managed honey bees: colonies located near prairie strips collected more pollen, grew larger and had higher winter survival rates than colonies in landscapes without strips. Read more about this NIFA-supported work.

Brown belted bumble bees on rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) in prairie planting. Image courtesy of Iowa State University/ Amy Toth.

USDA ARS Is Finding More Effective Treatments Against Varroa Mites

Researchers with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are helping beekeepers protect their colonies by studying how well a widely used mite killing pesticide works when paired with an agent that prevents the destructive Varroa mite from tolerating the treatment. These parasitic mites spread deadly viruses and are a leading cause of major colony losses nationwide. Read more about ARS’ promising work.

Terms and Conditions Update

NIFA has adopted the first-ever USDA General Terms and Conditions. Direct questions regarding the new USDA General Terms and Conditions and the updated NIFA General (Research, Education, Extension) Terms and Conditions to NIFA.Policy.Support@usda.gov.

State Journal: USDA Awards K-State $1.7 Million in Capacity Building Grants
Morning AgClips: Gardening with Deer Resistant Plants

USDA NIFA invests in research, education, and outreach that keeps American agriculture productive, profitable, and at the forefront of innovation. Through partnerships with the Land-grant University System, NIFA leverages more than 10,000 scientists, educators, and Extension professionals to turn discovery into real-world solutions for farmers, ranchers, families, and communities.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any NIFA event, please contact the appropriate Program staff no later than 10 days prior to the event. To find Program staff by event, please visit the NIFA Calendar of Events. NIFA Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request.

If you need interpretation or translation services, please contact sm.nifa.eeo@usda.gov no later than 10 days prior to the event.

Keep informed about NIFA, USDA, our Land-grant and non-Land-grant university partners, and stakeholders with the NIFA Update. Read past issues online, sign up for email updates or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @USDA_NIFA, #NIFAImpacts or LinkedIn @usda-nifa.

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