Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) – Rapid Response to Weather Events Across Food & Agricultural Systems (A1712) – USDA NIFA
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding up to $300,000 for extension and integrated (extension + applied research) projects that address urgent impacts of recent weather-related disasters on agricultural production systems, food supply chains, and rural communities. Applications must be submitted within 45 calendar days of a qualifying weather event. Awards support 12-month rapid deployment projects.
How much funding is available?
Maximum award: $300,000 (including indirect costs). Grant duration: 12 months. Grant types: Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard) only. Project types: Extension or Integrated (extension + applied research) only.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports rapid, solution-driven efforts that address impacts from naturally occurring weather hazards such as heat, drought, wildfires, tornados, floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, and blizzards.
1. Producer Stabilization & Extension Deployment
Projects that deliver rapid extension programs, technical assistance, and training to farmers, ranchers, and producers impacted by recent weather disasters.
Examples:
· On-farm technical assistance and recovery protocols
· Thermal stress mitigation strategies for livestock
· Drought management tools for crop producers
· Emergency feed or input optimization guidance
2. Tools & Technology for Rapid Adoption
Projects implementing tools and technologies that can be deployed within 90 days to mitigate disaster impacts.
· Decision-support software for weather adaptation
· Remote sensing or monitoring systems
· Precision irrigation or water conservation technologies
· Emergency disease or pest monitoring systems triggered by extreme weather
3. Supply Chain & Food System Resilience
Projects addressing disruptions across production, processing, distribution, and food safety logistics caused by weather events.
· Alternative distribution models during disaster recovery
· Cold chain stabilization strategies
· Regional food access logistics
· Processing infrastructure recovery support
4. Community & Rural Impact Mitigation
Projects supporting individuals, families, and communities to buffer disaster impacts and maintain safe, nutritious, and accessible food supplies.
· Community resilience planning
· Localized disaster-response communication strategies
· Rapid recovery outreach programs
· Food access coordination in affected regions
At least one activity must be implemented within 90 days of award, and all deliverables must be completed within 12 months.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Beyond the formal funding award, there are significant indirect benefits to receiving a USDA AFRI Rapid Response award:
· Federal validation tied to disaster resilience and food system stabilization
· Positioning as a trusted partner for state and regional recovery efforts
· Strengthened credibility with producers and agricultural stakeholders
· Non-dilutive capital that extends runway during market uncertainty
· Enhanced positioning for future USDA and federal resilience funding opportunities
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Applications must be submitted within 45 calendar days of a qualifying weather event. No Letter of Intent is required. Application review and processing are expedited to ensure timely project startup. Awards have a 12-month performance period.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from Congressional appropriations to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Assistance Listing: 10.310.
Who is eligible to apply?
· Colleges and universities
· State Agricultural Experiment Stations
· University research foundations
· Federal agencies and national laboratories
· Private organizations and corporations
· Eligible individuals (U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents)
· Consortia of eligible entities
Foreign and international organizations are not eligible as primary applicants.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
· Projects clearly tied to a recent documented weather event
· Strong justification of urgency and stakeholder need
· Solutions deployable within 90 days of award
· High likelihood of rapid adoption by producers or food system operators
· Clearly defined geographic scope linked to the disaster impact
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
· Budget requests exceeding $300,000 will not be reviewed.
· Projects must focus on short-term, urgent disaster response.
· At least one deliverable must occur within 90 days of award.
· All projects must include a data management plan.
· If applied research is commodity-specific and not national in scope, matching funds may be required.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Due to the 45-day submission window, preparation timelines are compressed. Competitive applications typically require 3–6 weeks of focused development, including event documentation, stakeholder justification, and rapid deployment planning.
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Flat fee pricing available upon request.
Fractional support is $300 per hour.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.
Additional Resources
See the solicitation here.