ECOP First Friday Update Available

On April 3^rd, ECOP held an informative First Friday Update.

• Lisa Townson discussed the progress of the Nutrition and Health Tiger Team
• Gregg Hadley provided an update from the Professional Development Committee, which included information on expanded recognition of Extension awardees at the September NEDA Meeting
• Tom Dobbins shared information about future Program Committee investments in the Program Action Teams
• Justin Rhinehart gave an update on the newly formed Artificial Intelligence Program Action Team
• APLU’s Doug Steele and Lewis Burke’s Dominique Foster provided a briefing on recent happenings in Washington, DC.

Webinar: A Comprehensive Overview of "A Study of Land-grant University Federal Capacity Funding"

Thursday, April 9 | 4:00-5:15 pm ET

This webinar is designed for individuals who have not yet had the opportunity to hear Wendy Fink’s presentation on the Tripp Umbach, Phase 1 report on federal capacity funding and would like to learn more about the Board on Agriculture Assembly's Federal Capacity Funding Initiative. The analysis and key findings are based upon survey results from 94 capacity-eligible institutions. The webinar will cover:

• What are USDA Capacity Funding Grant Programs?
• What does Capacity Funding Enable?
• BAA’s Capacity Initiative’s Three Phases​
• Phase One: Key Takeaways​
• What Can You Do to Help with This Effort?

Welcome:
Christopher Daubert, Chair, BAA’s Administrative Heads Section
Vice Chancellor and Dean
College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
University of Missouri 

James Pritchett, Chair, BAA’s Communications and Marketing Committee
Vice President for Engagement and Extension
Colorado State University

Presenters:
Wendy Fink
Executive Director - Academic Programs Section, BAA and
Associate Vice President, Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources 
APLU

Marcus Glassman
Executive Director, Council on Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET)
Director, Governmental Affairs
APLU

Register here.

USDA NIFA Releases 2027 President’s Budget

USDA NIFA released the 2027 President’s Budget Request. The line by line is available here (see pages 21-42, 21-43, and 21-44). A full analysis is currently being conducted by Lewis Burke and will be available later this week. 

USDA General Terms & Conditions Update, NIFA GT&Cs Webinar Scheduled for April 15

NIFA will host a webinar on Wednesday, April 15 at 1:00 p.m. CDT to introduce the newly established USDA General Terms and Conditions and discuss updates to NIFA’s agency‑specific Terms and Conditions. 

Register here: USDA’s New General Terms and Conditions and NIFA’s Updated Requirements: A Comprehensive Overview

Land-grant Universities and Cooperative Extension Prominently Featured in NSF AI Solicitation

A National Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solicitation, released on March 25, prominently mentioned the Land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension. AI-Ready America is a national-scale initiative to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness and adoption across the U.S. by strengthening coordination, leveraging partnerships and resources, filling gaps, and scaling what works — so local and state priorities can lead in shaping an AI-driven economy that benefits all Americans. Unlike initiatives centered around K – 16 education, AI-Ready America additionally reaches businesses, public-serving organizations, and individuals, among others, expanding access to AI knowledge, tools, and resources. The program also emphasizes practical implementation through hands-on assistance and workforce up-skilling, including experiential learning such as internships, project-based work, and apprenticeships, to ensure stakeholders can effectively apply and innovate with AI. The solicitation calls for each state and territory to receive $3 Million to fund a coordination hub. The Cooperative Extension System is a prominently mentioned potential cooperator, along with American Job Centers, Small Business Development Centers and Veteran Business Outreach Centers. A webinar on this program is scheduled for 1:00 on April 14. 

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.

Register here: USDA’s New General Terms and Conditions and NIFA’s Updated Requirements: A Comprehensive Overview

 

National AI Legislative Framework Calls Out Land-grant Institutions

On March 20, the White House released its National AI Legislative Framework via an Executive Order. The Executive Order mentioned the Land-grant system’s role in creating an artificial intelligence ready work force.

“Congress should bolster capabilities at land-grant institutions to provide technical assistance, launch demonstration projects, and develop AI youth development programs.”

In a post on X, APLU featured the Executive Order:

“APLU thanks the @WhiteHouse for recognizing the mission of land-grant institutions in its AI policy proposal. Cooperative Extension programs provide trusted, practical education to help communities solve problems, develop skills, & build a better future.”

NIFA Director Hamby Comments on NIFA’s Role in USDA’s Recently Released Research Priorities

From the March 18 NIFA Update:

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.

Details on NIFA’s role in the five priorities below can be found in the March 18 NIFA Update:

• Increasing the profitability of farmers and ranchers
• Expanding markets and creating new uses for U.S. agricultural products
• Protecting the integrity of American agriculture from invasive species and disease
• Promoting soil health to regenerate long-term productivity of the land
• Improving human health through precision nutrition and food quality

USDA General Terms & Conditions Update, NIFA GT&Cs Webinar Scheduled for April 15

On December 31, 2025, USDA released the first set of USDA General Terms and Conditions (GT&Cs) for all future awards. Per the Secretarial Memorandum establishing this change, USDA agencies had 45 days to begin implementation of the new GT&Cs for all new awards and significant modifications to existing awards. APLU’s Office of Food, Agriculture, & Natural Resources (FANR) and Office of Government Affairs (OGA) have been coordinating internally and with other stakeholders to better understand impacts of the new GT&Cs for our community. Numerous questions have arisen, and for the last several weeks APLU has engaged with USDA and Capitol Hill to share these questions and seek clarifications.

Most recently, NIFA released in its March 18th newsletter NIFA-specific terms and conditions that, “will be applied to all awards supporting research, education, Extension or integrated activities which are issued or significantly modified on or after March 18, 2026.” A webinar on these new NIFA GT&Cs is scheduled for April 15th at 1:00 PM (CDT). Please click the March 18th newsletter link above for the entire T&C paragraph from the NIFA newsletter.

APLU will review the new NIFA GT&Cs and continue to engage with USDA and Capitol Hill about both the GT&Cs and the NIFA GT&Cs. We encourage you to consult with your research officers to understand implications of the new terms and conditions and continue to share questions and concerns with us.

Save the Date: 2026 National Extension Directors & Administrators Annual Meeting

The 2026 NEDA meeting is scheduled for September 15-17 in Seattle, WA. Monday, September 14 will be a travel day for those attending the ECOP meeting on Tuesday, September 15. New administrator orientation will take place the afternoon of Tuesday, September 15, followed by a reception and dinner featuring a 4-H speaker.

Hadley to Chair ECOP Professional Development Committee

Gregg Hadley, Associate Professor and Kansas State University’s Assistant Vice President Director for Extension, has assumed the chairmanship of the ECOP Professional Development Committee. Gregg succeeds former chair Karl Martin, dean and director of the UW-Madison Division of Extension. Karl will join the ECOP Program Committee.

Webinar: A Comprehensive Overview of "A Study of Land-grant University Federal Capacity Funding"

Thursday, April 9 | 4:00-5:15 pm ET

This webinar is designed for individuals who have not yet had the opportunity to hear Wendy Fink’s presentation on the Tripp Umbach, Phase 1 report on federal capacity funding and would like to learn more about the Board on Agriculture Assembly's Federal Capacity Funding Initiative. The analysis and key findings are based upon survey results from 94 capacity-eligible institutions. The webinar will cover:

1. What are USDA Capacity Funding Grant Programs?
2. What does Capacity Funding Enable?
3. BAA’s Capacity Initiative’s Three Phases
4. Phase One: Key Takeaways
5. What Can You Do to Help with This Effort?

Welcome:

Christopher Daubert, Chair, BAA’s Administrative Heads Section
Vice Chancellor and Dean College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources University of Missouri

James Pritchett, Chair, BAA’s Communications and Marketing Committee Vice President for Engagement and Extension Colorado State University

Presenters:
Wendy Fink, Executive Director - Academic Programs Section, BAA and Associate Vice President, Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources APLU

Marcus Glassman, Executive Director, Council on Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) Director, Governmental Affairs APLU 

Register here!

Contribute to the National AI Asset Map for Cooperative Extension

In partnership with the National Digital Extension Education Technology (NDEET) initiative and the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Broadband Program Action Team, the Extension Foundation is asking for your help in cataloging efforts related to the use and adoption of artificial intelligence across the Cooperative Extension system.

NDEET is leading the development of a National AI Asset Map, a comprehensive inventory of AI-related work happening across Extension.

The survey collects information across a broad range of AI-related activities, including:

• Trainings, workshops, webinars, and presentations
• Publications, papers, and news articles
• Research projects and data sets (e.g., crop data, applied analytics)
• AI specialists and personnel
• Partnerships and collaborative initiatives
• Tools and technologies (e.g., websites, chatbots, applications)
• Governance, ethics, and policy efforts
• Events, videos, and outreach materials

Submissions may serve both internal and external audiences and may span all program areas. 

Learn more and complete the survey.

National Extension Award for Innovative Programming that Addresses New Audiences

The purpose of this award is for Extension efforts that go above and beyond in reaching new audiences. It recognizes innovative teaching models and techniques that ensure Extension programs reach all audiences, especially new and those that have not been participating in traditional Extension education. The programming should reflect how a systematic needs assessment identified the audience and influenced teaching methods, created mutual respect among audiences, promoted acceptance, fostered teamwork, and improved overall effectiveness of the programming.

Nominations must be submitted online by June 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Early Bird Deadline Approaching for PILD Conference – APLU President to Speak

Take the opportunity to save $100 and register for the JCEP Public Issues Leadership Development Conference by March 15. Hotel reservations must be made separately. APLU President Wadded Cruzado is scheduled to speak on day two of the conference. President Cruzado gave a great speech recently at the Council on Agriculture Research, Education, and Teaching conference.

North American Agricultural Advisory Network Multi-Language Connection

Join the North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN) from 10-11 a.m. MDT on Thursday, March 12 for the CONVERSATION on NAAAN CONNECT with Mexico. Moderated by Luis Martinez, Counselor for Agricultural Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C., this session will feature a Group of Native Maize Producers from Acaxochitlán sharing about their experiences. The producers are part of a “Territorial Development of Indigenous Peoples Safeguarding Native Maize Races of Mexico” project through Mexico’s department of agriculture – AGRICULTURA. The goal of this project is to strengthen capacity, add value, and promote fair commercialization of native maize varieties.

This session will be conducted in Spanish with Wordly translation available in English and French. We look forward to seeing you there – register to join us!

Growing Together: Conversation with Krysta Harden, President and CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council

Krysta Harden's journey from being a student at University of Georgia to become a national agricultural leader shows the power of 4‑H roots and a land‑grant education.  As president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), she leverages her experience with agriculture, sustainability, food policy, and the federal government to help fulfill USDEC’s mission to promote dairy exports and enrich the well-being of people, communities, and the planet.  Learn about Harden's perspectives at Growing Together: Conversation with Krysta Harden, President and CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Learning for Leaders First Friday: CARET 101

Learn the basics of the Council on Agriculture Research Extension and Teaching. Hear from the APLU leader of the program, CARET representatives from Tennessee and Kansas, and a panel of Extension Directors.

Nominations for Individual and Team Excellence in Extension Awards Being Accepted
Please be alert for a contact from your Regional Executive Director or Administrator regarding your region’s nomination process for the Excellence in Extension Individual and Team Awards.

Funding Opportunity: Beyond Ready—Financial Literacy

This competitive subgrant opportunity will support Cooperative Extension 4 H programs within land grant universities in delivering high quality financial literacy programming that helps young people build the skills they need to be Beyond Ready for the future.

Funding Overview

• Award amount: $132,000 per project
• Project period: April 13, 2026–November 22, 2028 (32 months)
• Total awards: Up to six (6) subgrants

Key Dates

• RFA released: February 9, 2026
• Informational call/office hours: February 19 at 1:00 PM ET (12:00 PM CT)
• Applications due: March 20 by 11:59 PM ET 
• Award notifications: On or before April 3, 2026

Extension Foundation Announces Five Projects Selected for $1M in AgriProspects Funding.

The AgriProspects Workforce Development Network, a national program of the Extension Foundation, is pleased to announce the award of $1 million to five projects through the second round of AgriProspects grants. Funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the AFRI–National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce, this round supports innovative efforts focused on digital credential infrastructure, AI education, and integrated workforce solutions for Extension and the communities it serves. Selected projects span various agricultural sectors and emphasize practical, industry-informed training, ranging from AI-enabled forestry and farm operations to food processing and workforce upskilling. Chosen from 74 competitive proposals, these awardees reflect the depth, creativity, and impact of Extension-led workforce development nationwide. Learn More here.

National 4-H Council's Winter Update Celebrates Alignment and Impact Achieved through the Landmark Gift

Extension and 4-H leaders recently joined National 4-H Council President and CEO, Jill Bramble and Dr. Juliette Bell, former President of University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Vice Chair of Council's Board of Trustees, for a virtual update and dialog on the outcomes from the first three years of the $50 million Landmark Gift to Council from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Special thanks to Dr. Bell for her leadership of the of the Task Force (comprised of Extension, Council, and youth) that established recommendations on the highest and best use of the gift in this first three years. 

·         View the recording HERE

·         Read the Landmark Gift Task Force’s Three-Year Progress Report

·         Download the Report’s Executive Summary

USDA Accepting Applications for the 1890 National Scholars Program

USDA is now accepting applications for the 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 Land-grant Universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences. The application deadline is March 8. Read more about the program and how to apply.

NIFA seeking input on FY 2026 Research Facilities Act Program

NIFA will be holding a virtual listening session on Feb. 5 at noon EST to solicit public input on the implementation of the FY 2026 Research Facilities Act Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (RFAP). The RFAP program aims to assist Land-grant Institutions with the construction, modification, acquisition, modernization, refurbishment, or remodeling of agricultural research facilities to conduct research in the food and agricultural sciences.

In reauthorizing the program last year, Congress increased its annual funding level to $125 million in mandatory spending. In addition to the listening session, NIFA Program staff will also accept written comments before Feb. 12. Visit the NIFA website for more information.

ECOP has outlined its position on this issue, which includes the following:

“It is vital that stakeholders, particularly but not exclusively farmers and ranchers, achieve the maximum benefit from this historic investment. While every institution is different, for most institutions this will mean balancing research facility investments on campus and off campus. These off-campus facilities are an important part of demonstrating an innovation’s relevance to local conditions, including soil types, weather patterns, and ecosystems. They provide context specific knowledge that can directly lead to the next logical adoption step, on-operation trial. Investment in these off-campus facilities has the added benefit of widening the perceived value to a broader cross section of the state’s or territory’s citizenry.

Further, as we invest in off-campus research facilities, it is important that these investments include state of the art Extension facilities, capable of demonstrating innovations in the most effective possible manner. Any investment in research facilities without a clear vision and plan to ultimately communicate the resulting innovation to producers would be short-sighted.”

The ECOP National Office will communicate its position through the above and other channels.

GROWING TOGETHER: CONVERSATIONS WITH CEOS – Ducks Unlimited

APLU’s Board of Agriculture’s interview series “Growing Together: Conversations with CEOs” showcases Presidents and CEOs of national agricultural associations, commodity groups, and other organizations and explores their powerful synergies with land-grant universities.

Adam Putnam, Chief Executive Officer, Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam is a fifth-generation Floridian and a graduate of the University of Florida where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Food and Resource Economics. He has also been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and served as a Rodel Fellow at the Aspen Institute. In 2010, he was the E.T. York Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Florida. Putnam and his wife of 20 years, Melissa, reside in Memphis, Tenn. with their four children.

He is a hunter, angler, conservationist, and third-generation farmer who owns Putnam Groves Inc. Putnam Groves is a family owned and operated citrus farm and cattle ranch located in Central Florida.

“I consider myself to be a land grant baby – I was a 10-year 4-H'er, grew up on a family farm, got a degree from the University of Florida, and truly benefited from all three legs of the stool - teaching, research, and Extension. I truly believe the U.S. land grant model should be replicated around the world.” 

Specifically, regarding Cooperative Extension: DU is exploring much more work understanding social and economic values of conservation practices for landowners and to work to tailor conservation programs to best suit the needs of producers. There is enormous collaborative potential to explore these topics with Cooperative Extension.
Read the full interview.

USDA Launches New Online Portal for Reporting Foreign-Owned Agricultural Land Transactions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a new online portal to streamline reporting of transactions involving U.S. agricultural land by foreign persons, which can include businesses and governments, under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA). The new online portal is part of a broader effort to strengthen enforcement and protect American farmland as USDA continues its implementation of the National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF, 1.2 MB).

Have a Joyous MLK Day!

This message and its accompanying email were preset to be distributed today.

Registration Open for PILD

Registration is now open for the Public Issues Leadership Development conference. The early bird registration deadline (saves $100) for April 20-22 conference is March 15. Lodging reservations must be made separately.

USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Registration Open

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that registration is now open for the 102nd Agricultural Outlook Forum. The event will be held at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott on Feb. 19-20, 2026, and all Forum sessions will be livestreamed on a virtual platform.

4-H Council to Hold Winter 2026 Q&A

The National 4-H Council will hold its winter 2026 Q&A Session on January 27 at 3:00 pm. Topics will include:

·       Celebration of their and the Extension System’s collective work on the Beyond Ready initiative,

·       Resources available to you as a result of that initiative, and

·       An Outline of the next steps for Landmark Gift investments.

When you register, you can also share any additional items you'd like to discuss or questions you have for Jill Bramble. 

Register for the Board on Health and Human Sciences Spring Meeting  

Registration is now open for the 2026 Board on Health and Human Sciences (BHHS) Spring Meeting, hosted by the College of Health and Human Sciences at Colorado State University, March 24-26 in Denver, CO. Held at the CSU Spur Campus, a national hub for collaboration at the intersection of health, food, water, and community, the meeting’s setting reflects BHHS’s commitment to interdisciplinary solutions and public impact. This year's keynote address features Dr. Temple Grandin, internationally renowned professor, author, and innovator. Dr. Grandin’s work—spanning systems thinking, neurodiversity, and applied problem-solving—offers powerful insights into translating research and lived experience into meaningful, real-world outcomes. 

Event Locations:

• Colorado State University Spur Campus: 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216
• Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo: 2560 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, CO 80216 (Lodging will also be at this hotel)

Follow this link to register, find information on accommodations and transportation, and explore the agenda. We look forward to seeing you there! 

 

USDA Standardizes Grant and Cooperative Agreement Requirements

On December 31, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins signed a Secretary’s Memorandum (PDF, 87.3 KB) directing all USDA agencies and staff offices to immediately adopt and implement the first-ever set of USDA General Terms and Conditions for all future awards.  

USDA administers an expansive grant and cooperative agreement portfolio, spanning 21 agencies and staff offices. In FY2025 alone, the Department distributed over $145 billion through 287 programs, resulting in nearly 38,000 new awards to farmers, ranchers, foresters, families, rural communities, small businesses, universities, and various other entities. Currently, there are 50,979 active awards across the entire USDA enterprise, underscoring the critical need for consistent oversight and accountability.  

Under this new directive, all USDA grant, cooperative agreement, and mutual interest agreement programs will utilize the same terms and conditions, and award recipients and cooperators will only need to navigate 50 or less pages of requirements. 

This action is a step toward the implementation of USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF, 1.2 MB) and Executive Order 14332, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, as well as various other Executive Orders and Secretary’s Memorandums that have been signed this year to establish a return to American principles and align the Department’s focus towards its original objectives. 

Secretary Rollins Announces New Priorities for Research and Development in 2026

On December 30, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, signed a Secretary’s Memorandum (PDF, 909 KB) that puts forth a focused effort to establish new priorities for future research and development activities funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen national security, protect U.S. agriculture, and support American farmers and consumers.

New Research and Development Priorities:

Moving forward, new research and development activities funded by USDA will be focused on projects that address one or more of the following priorities:

• Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers
• Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products
• Protecting the Integrity of American Agriculture from Invasive Species
• Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land
• Improving Human Health through Precision Nutrition and Food Quality