Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Request for Applications (RFA)

Background
The Forests and Related Resources topic area aims to address the health, diversity and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations through the development of environmentally sound approaches to increase productivity of forest lands, improve sustainability of forest resources, and develop value-added materials derived from woody resources. New technologies are needed to enhance the protection of the Nation’s forested lands and forest resources and help to ensure the continued existence of healthy and productive forest ecosystems. Proposals focused on sustainable bioenergy and development of value-added biofuels from woody biomass, and on the influence of climate change on forest health and productivity are strongly encouraged. Proposals that utilize nanotechnology in their approach to developing new wood-based products or that utilize wood-based nano-materials are also encouraged.

To meet the identified needs in forestry and wood utilization, the program’s long-term goals (10 years) are to achieve increased utilization of woody resources for value-added products from wood; healthy and sustainable forest ecosystems that are more resilient to wildfires and the impact of pathogens and insects; improved environmental and economic methods of sustainable harvesting; and improved growth and yield of forest species that will lead to more efficient use of forested lands.

FY 2019 Research Priorities:
Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Growth and Yield
Improving growing stock, tissue culture, genetic manipulation or vegetative reproduction of forest trees, and other means of increasing the regenerative abilities of forests; developing systems to increase the survival of newly planted trees through mechanical, physical or chemical means that are environmentally safe and through improved nutrient/water utilization; reducing the adverse impact of pathogens and insects by developing better methods to monitor infestations and improved control strategies for combating insects and pathogens that attack important woody species.

2. Increasing the Utility of Forest-Grown Material
Research to improve the yield of lumber, pulp fiber and specialty chemicals from trees; utilizing a greater percentage of the tree through improved techniques of production, for the creation of new or improved reconstituted products; developing better methods for manufacturing wood-based products and testing products for performance and durability; and developing improved methods for the production of paper.

3. Reducing Ecological Damage by Forest Operations
Research to reduce soil erosion, compaction, water degradation or other alterations caused by harvesting and/or other forest operations, provisions for the economic recovery of resources from forests while raising potential productivity and reducing impacts to the ecological structure of the area of operation.

4. Urban Forestry
Research to promote the growth of forested land in urban areas, such as greenways, parks, and strategically planted urban trees, to address problems of forest fragmentation, the introduction of invasive species, and the impact of urban forested land on air and water quality and quality of life improvements.

5. Climate Change
Research to address the issue of ecosystem adaptation to climate change, ways to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, development of decision support tools for forest managers and markets for forest ecosystem services.

6. Developing Technology that Facilitates the Management of Wildfires on Forest Lands
Research that provides systems for detecting and managing wildfires; systems for reducing fuel loads in forests; tools and equipment for improving the efficacy and safety of fire fighters on the ground and in the air; and communication and navigation systems for improving the coordination of fire management activities.

7. Sustainable Bioenergy and Development of Value-Added Products From Forest Resources
Research for development of improved methods for the conversion of forest biomass into cellulosic biofuels (e.g. ethanol, biobutanol, jet aviation) and biobased products, including intermediate chemicals; development of new wood-based composite materials; development of local scale energy conversion projects that generate electricity and/or useful heat; and development of technologies that will mitigate carbon release from combustion.

Background

The objective of this topic area is to examine novel ways of enhancing crop production and protection by applying biological approaches to develop new methods for plant improvement, apply traditional plant breeding methods and new technologies to develop new food and non-food crop plants, develop plant characteristics that reduce the harmful impact of plant pests and biotic stresses, as well as new genotypes of existing crop plants with characteristics that allow for their use in new commercial applications.

FY 2019 Research Priorities:
Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Plant improvement
Improved crop production using traditional plant breeding and biotechnology, including but not limited to, molecular biology, and mutagenesis, genomics, tissue culture, and/or embryogenesis to produce crops with new or improved quality, yield, agronomic, horticultural, value- added, and/or economic traits. Topics may include, but not limited to:
a. Improvement of commercial floriculture production - Biological and/or technological approaches to improve the competitiveness of U.S. production of flowering potted plants, bedding plants, seasonal crops, annuals, perennials, and cut flowers.
b. Development of new crops - Development of new crop plants as sources of food, non-food industrial or ornamental products.

2. Pollinators and crop production
Projects that address the health and success of domesticated and natural pollinators of economically important crops.

3. Plant protection against abiotic and/or biotic stresses
Reduced the impact of plant pathogens, arthropod pests, and abiotic stress on crop plants; and increasing plant resistance to plant pathogens, arthropod pests, and abiotic stress. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
a. Improved plant disease diagnostics - Accurate, rapid, and cost-effective identification of causal agents in specialty crop plants at the earliest possible stage relative to manifestation of disease.
b. Bio-Based approaches - To protect organically-grown and conventional crops from insect and nematode pests and diseases using bio-based approaches, including the development of decision aid systems that are information extensive and time sensitive.

Background

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations predicts that feeding the world’s growing population will require a doubling of global food production by 2050. Fulfilling this need will require new technologies to improve both productivity and efficiency of food animals. The Animal Production and Protection topic area aims to develop innovative, marketable technologies that will provide significant benefit to the production and protection of agricultural animals. New technologies for rapid detection, point-of-care, treatment and prevention of disease are needed to improve productivity and enhance the biosecurity of our herds and flocks. Better technologies are also needed to develop and enhance alternatives to the use of antibiotics since pathogen resistance and human sensitivity to residue food products derived from animals have become of increasing concern. To meet increasing consumer demand for value-added animal products, innovative technologies are needed to address the challenges presented by non-conventional management systems and strategies. And there is an urgent need for technologies that decrease the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and optimize use of our natural resources. Technological advances in animal production and protection will not only enhance the safety of the Nation’s food supply and contribute to environmental stewardship, they will also allow American producers to remain competitive in the global marketplace and contribute to global food security.

FY 2019 Research Priorities:
Development of marketable technologies designed for use in agriculturally important animals that will:

1. Improve production efficiency
Areas of interest include improved fertility; increased feed efficiency; and translation of genomic information into practical use and benefit.

2. Improve the safety and/or quality of end products derived from animals
These technologies must be applicable in the pre-harvest environment.

3. Improve animal health and well-being
Examples of these technologies include new rapid, more accurate, point-of-care oriented and competitively-priced diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines and other immunization methods, biosecurity management tools, traceability methods, and animal handling methods and developing alternatives to the use of antibiotics.

4. Improve the productivity of animals in modified conventional or alternative animal production systems
Examples include non-confinement housing, pasture-based feeding systems, and organic systems.

5. Mitigate the impacts of animal agriculture on the natural environment
Areas of interest include technologies that decrease greenhouse gas emissions or reduce the excretion of phosphorus and nitrogen, but does not include manure management.

Background

The Food Science and Nutrition topic area aims to fund projects that support research focusing on developing new and improved processes, technologies, or services that address emerging food safety, food processing and nutrition issues. The program will fund projects to: 1) increase the understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of food; 2) improve methods for the processing and packaging of food products to improve the quality, safety and nutritional value of foods, and to reduce food waste; 3) develop technologies for rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens and toxins in foods, and 4) develop programs or products that increase the consumption of healthy foods and reduce obesity, or alleviate urban and rural food deserts. The outcome of a successful project is a proof of concept for a marketable product or patented process.
The long term goals (10 years) of the program are to commercialize the production of useful new food products, processes, materials, and systems that reduce foodborne illness, obesity, enhance the nutritional quality and value of foods and/or bridge socioeconomic gaps in access to healthy foods.

FY 2019 Research Priorities:
Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Food Safety
Developing technologies for the detection or mitigation of foodborne hazards (microorganisms, chemicals, toxins) during pre- and post-harvest processing and distribution.

2. Food Quality-Engineering
Developing innovative processing and packaging technologies or materials that reduce post- harvest losses in foods while maintaining safety, quality and/or extending shelf life of the product.

3. Food Quality-Science
Understanding the physical, biological, and chemical interactions and functionality of food in order to develop affordable food ingredients and/or food formulations that contribute to the development of high quality foods.

4. Nutrition-Education
Developing and implementing effective programs for educators and parents to foster healthy nutritional choices to combat obesity among children.

5. Nutrition-Science
Improve functionality and efficacy of foods, nutrients and/or dietary bioactive components in promoting health.

6. Nutrition, Food Safety and Quality Data Tools
Development of software tools and technologies that collect and analyze nutrient data, food safety and food quality data to enable producers, consumers and retailers make healthy choices and/or alleviate food deserts.

Background

The objective of this topic area is to improve the quality of life in rural America by creating and commercializing technologies that address important economic and social development issues or challenges in rural America. Projects must explicitly discuss the specific rural problem or opportunity that will be examined and how the proposed science-based technology will successfully address the problem or opportunity. Applications must also include an objective to assess the impacts of the proposed project on the environment or the socio-economic development of rural areas. The applications need not be centered on agriculture, but may be focused on any area that has the potential to provide significant benefit to rural Americans. USDA seeks a balanced portfolio that appropriately mixes high risk, high reward innovations with new applications of existing technologies.

FY 2019 Research Priorities:
Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Development of services, information, and managerial systems that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Local Governments and Public and Private Institutions. Topics may include educational programs, including virtual platforms, apps and gaming, which address the specific needs of people in rural areas (e.g., development of entrepreneurship and workforce skills); use of big data in community development planning; new housing designs or ways to improve function and outcomes of existing designs; improved health care delivery, including mobile or virtual health applications; innovative transportation and communication technologies and services that increase access to services for rural people; and marketing of new information and technologies to rural audiences.

2. Development of technologies and services that protect or enhance the environment while promoting economic development. Topics may include science-based innovations that explore the vast natural resources and amenities in rural communities with a focus on renewable energy. Examples may include technologies and services for harnessing big data to synthesize and communicate new knowledge for rural people, to help them make predictive decisions, and to foster data-driven innovation in agriculture, ecosystem protection, sustainable practices, food loss and waste reduction, energy conservation, and alternative energy source development – such as wind and solar energy (excluding biofuels).

3. Reducing the vulnerabilities of rural communities from hazards (excluding intentional acts such as terrorism). Procedures and data-enabled solutions are needed to make rural communities more sustainable to natural or unintentional hazards such as food-borne illnesses, food contamination, droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, climate variability, through better preparation, forecast and warning, response and rebuilding phases of hazard mitigation, including communication.

4. Development of technologies and services that specifically address the needs of youth, the elderly, disabled persons, military veterans, and the low-income sector of the rural population. Efforts are needed that will enhance human capital development, build earnings capacity, increase labor force participation and/or promote job creation to the most vulnerable populations in rural communities, use augmented reality and promote workforce development in rural communities, and promote food security, including issues of access to adequate amounts and quality of foods.

5. Increasing opportunities for employment and income generation in rural communities.
Topics may include, but are not limited to, creative place making, recreational economies, rural tourism, agri-tourism, e-commerce innovations that connect producers with markets, and off-farm value-added agricultural development.

6. Expanding broadband access in rural communities.
Rural broadband access is a major expansion opportunity. Topics may include, but are not limited to, exploration of white space and other spectrum in rural communities; technologies that increase rural bandwidth, connection speed, quality, and reach; initiatives that increase awareness, adoption, and diffusion of broadband among rural people; and opportunities to increase investment in rural broadband infrastructure.

Background

The Aquaculture topic area funds research projects with the overall goal of leading to improved production efficiency and increased competitiveness of private sector, commercial aquaculture in the United States. This topic area aims to develop new technologies that will enhance the knowledge and technology base necessary for the expansion of the domestic aquaculture industry. Seafood production from the wild is under increased pressure due to overfishing, and therefore aquaculture is increasingly an important source of farmed seafood and an important contributor to food security. Studies on commercially important species of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants from both freshwater and marine environments are included. In this context, new technologies are needed to improve production efficiency, protect aquaculture species against disease, and ensure the quality of farmed seafood.

FY 2019 Research Priorities:
To address identified needs or constraints that limit U.S. aquaculture, the following are provided as examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Reproductive Efficiency
Novel or innovative approaches to improve reproductive efficiency in aquaculture species including: greater control of maturation, ovulation and fertilization; improved gamete and embryo storage; improved larval rearing techniques; enhanced reproductive performance of broodstock; improved methods for cryopreservation of sperm and embryos; and methods to control sex determination.

2. Genetic Improvement
Novel or innovative approaches to improve production efficiency through genetic improvement of aquaculture species including: genetic mechanisms of sex determination; genetic basis for inheritance of commercially important traits, such as growth, temperature tolerance, and disease susceptibility; identification of major genes affecting performance; application of molecular biology and genomics and the integration of this technology into breeding programs; and performance evaluation of aquaculture species and utilization of crossbreeding and hybridization.

3. Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Management
Novel or innovative approaches to reducing losses due to aquatic animal health in aquaculture production systems, including: physiological stress related to the aquatic production system environment; genetic, environmental, and nutritional components of aquatic health management; control of predation in aquaculture production systems; development of new vaccines or immunization procedures to enhance resistance to infectious diseases and parasites; development of diagnostic tests for specific diseases that pose a health hazard; and development of improved treatment methods for acute or chronic health problems caused by specific infectious or non- infectious agents, parasites, injuries and chemical and toxic agents.

4. Improved Production Systems and Management Strategies
Novel or innovative approaches to improve existing or alternative production system design and management strategies including: development of biological, engineering and economic design criteria and models; enhancement of water quality in existing production systems through aeration, flow patterns, etc.; characterization, handling and treatment of effluent from aquaculture production systems; improved harvesting methods and strategies; and improved operating efficiencies for recirculation systems.

5. Algal Production Systems
Novel or innovative approaches to improve the efficiency of algal production and feedstock logistics including: identification of new (or improved) species with improved nutritional profile for use in aquaculture feed, human food, or food supplements; development of improved bioreactor technology; and development of new methods for harvesting algal biomass.

Background

The Small and Mid-Size Farms topic area aims to promote and improve the sustainability and profitability of small and mid-size farms and ranches (where annual sales of agricultural products are less than $250,000 for small farms and $500,000 for mid-size farms - hereafter referred to as small farms). The vast majority of farms in this country are small and they play an important role in the agricultural sector. The viability and sustainability of small farms is important to the Nation’s economy and to the stewardship of our biological and natural resources. While some small farms are located in urban areas, most small farms are located in rural areas, and these farms are critical to sustaining and strengthening the leadership and social fabric of rural communities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to emphasize how their project would contribute to the well-being of rural communities and institutions. In particular, applicants should emphasize how the results of their project would be disseminated to other small farmers and provide benefit to the small farm community.

FY 2019 Research Priorities:
Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. New Agricultural Enterprises
Efforts are needed to develop new agricultural enterprises that are small scale and focused on specialty farm products, both plant and animal, and on innovative ways to market these farm products through direct marketing, such as farmers markets or cooperatives where the financial return to the farmer is optimized or through specialty market outlets that offer a higher financial return. Emphasis is encouraged for organic and natural foods, specialty animal products, such as free-range poultry or natural beef, non-food specialty crops, such as medicinal herbs and value-added food, and non-food products.

2. Development of New Marketing Strategies
Efforts are needed to develop appropriate new strategies for marketing agricultural, forestry and aqua cultural commodities and value-added products produced by small farms in local, regional, national and international markets, including the assessment of consumer demand; identification of desired product characteristics, including packaging and processing methods; development of new and innovative utilization of existing production and processing technologies; and the promotion of efficient assembling, packing, processing, advertising and shipping methods.

3. Farm Management
Efforts are needed to develop tools and skills that are appropriate for small farms that will enhance the efficiency and profitability of small farms. New tools are also needed that will enhance farm safety. Development of new risk management tools to facilitate better planning is needed. Development of improved farm level life-cycle assessment tools that help small to mid-sized farms 1) improve operations through resource efficiency and 2) quantify ecosystem services provided is needed. Innovative ways to promote agro-tourism as a way to enhance farm profitability is encouraged.

4. On Farm Natural Resources and Renewable Energy
Efforts are needed to promote improved energy efficiency and conservation in farming operations through scaled up technologies and innovations that reduce operation costs, increase efficiency and increase profits while utilizing natural resources. Particular emphasis is needed to develop better ways to utilize on farm renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy. Innovations should be scalable to multiple farm markets and not only focused on an individual farm.

5. Urban Farming
In recent years there has been increasing interest in the establishment of small farms in urban areas on roof tops, in abandoned buildings and in vacant lots. Efforts are needed to explore ways to make urban farming more energy efficient, environmentally sustainable and profitable. The most appropriate crops for urban farms need to be determined. Procedures that would increase the establishment of new urban farms need to be developed.

Background

The objective of this topic area is to enhance crop production in both conventional and organic systems by creating and commercializing engineering technologies that enhance system efficiency and profitability and that protect crops from pests and pathogens in economically and environmentally sound ways. Engineering projects must describe the system need; design specifications, and functionality and reliability; and cost benefit analysis. Where feasible, projects should describe the testing metrics, experimental design, and materials and methods to collect and analyze data on the metrics. Projects must address solutions that are scalable to address problems in commercial agriculture. Applications to the 8.13 topic area should focus on engineering solutions that directly improve crop production and protection. Applications proposing topics outside of crop production and protection should contact the NPL to ensure that that project is a fit in the program area. Applications for the Phase I program must address early stage, proof of concept research as is specified in this RFA. Adaptation of existing technologies to new crops, regions, pest, etc. must require significant innovation as to fit the proof of concept nature of the Phase I program.

FY 2019 Research Priorities
Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Improved crop production methods or strategies
Enhance the efficiency of crop production by utilizing innovative methods and equipment for planting, growing and harvesting crop plants that optimize inputs and reduce operational costs. Topics may include but are not limited to:
a. Technologies that enhance commercial horticulture production.
Projects to improve the competitiveness of U.S. commercial horticulture production including flowering potted plant, bedding plant, cut flower production, seasonal crops, annuals, and perennials.
b. Production, harvesting, and postharvest handling of specialty crops.
Projects to reduce manual labor needs, maintain or improve quality, improve handling, and reduce postharvest loss.
c. Cyber-physical systems to support precision agriculture.
Projects that accelerate the integration of cyber-physical systems into precision agriculture including methods, tools, hardware, and software components. Projects should focus on developing new innovation that are improvements compared to existing technologies.
d. Controlled environment agriculture.
Projects that develop crop management systems, greenhouse structures, and controlled environmental agriculture systems that promote energy conservation and efficiency, including the development of technology for the economic use of renewable energy resources. Projects should take into account the optimal conditions required for plant production, not only the reduction of energy.

2. Plant protection against abiotic and/or biotics stresses
Reduce the impact of plant pathogens, insect pests, weeds, and abiotic stresses on crop plants. Topics may include but are not limited to:
a. Improved chemical application technology
Projects that increase product efficacy, worker safety, and reduce off-target drift of applied chemicals.
b. Monitoring, detection, and management.
Projects that provide technical solutions for monitoring, detection, and management of pests and abiotic stresses at the earliest stage of their manifestation. Projects on diagnostics, decision support systems, and machine-assisted detection of plant pathogens and pests submitted to this area should focus on engineering methods, decision support analysis, and diagnostic output leading to mitigation of abiotic and biotic stresses. Projects should address known or emerging abiotic or biotic stresses that are reducing yields in commercial systems.

3. Pollinators and crop production
Engineering technologies that address the health and success of domesticated and natural pollinators of economically important crops.

You are here

Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Request for Applications (RFA)

Available Funding Topics