Specialty Crop Research Initiative Grants

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is soliciting pre-applications for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) for Fiscal Year 2026. This initiative aims to address critical needs within the specialty crop industries by funding research and extension projects that tackle key challenges of national, regional, and multi-state importance. The program emphasizes a systems-based, transdisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration and the integration of research and extension activities. Projects should focus on areas such as plant breeding, genetics, pest and disease management, production efficiency, new innovations like automation and AI, and food safety methods. The total estimated program funding is $175,000,000, with individual award ceilings of $10,000,000 and floors of $50,000. Applicants are required to provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis.