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

 

Congratulations Chris Sneed, University of Tennessee, your 2025 National Excellence in Extension Award Winner

Dr. Christopher Sneed is a tenured Associate Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist at the University of Tennessee. He began his UT career as an Employment Career Specialist and has since served in roles including Extension Agent, SNAP-Ed Social Marketing Specialist, Acting Director of SNAP-Ed and EFNEP, and Assistant Professor. He now leads statewide Extension programs in consumer economics for youth and adults. His work focuses on behavioral economics, workforce development, financial capability, and family resource management. Dr. Sneed also serves as Co-Principal Investigator of Skill Up Tennessee, UT Extension’s SNAP Employment and Training initiative. Promoted with tenure in 2024, he is nationally recognized for his contributions to teaching, research, and service. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles, over 80 Extension publications, and secured more than $36 million in external funding. Dr. Sneed remains active in the academic community through peer review, professional service, and leadership in national Extension and consumer economics organizations.

Please click here to view the video

Dr. Ben Carson accepts position at USDA, will lead Nutrition, Health, and Housing

Last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., was sworn in as the National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“There is no one more qualified than Dr. Carson to advise on policies that improve Americans’ everyday quality of life, from nutrition to healthcare quality to ensuring families have access to safe and stable housing,” said Secretary Rollins. “With six in ten Americans living with at least one chronic disease, and rural communities facing unique challenges with respect to adequate housing, Dr. Carson’s insight and experience is critical. Dr. Carson will be crucial to implementing the rural health investment provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill and advise on America First polices related to nutrition, health, and housing. As the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the first Trump Administration, Dr. Carson worked to expand opportunity and strengthen communities, and we are honored to welcome him to the second Trump Administration to help lead our efforts here at USDA to Make America Healthy Again and ensure rural America continues to prosper.”

Grants Modernization Update: Upcoming Training Opportunity and Key Updates for Applicants

NIFA is hosting training sessions in preparation for the transition to the eRA grants management system.  

Upcoming Training Opportunity – eRA Commons Account Management Webinar. 

In the first training, NIFA’s Grant Modernization Initiative (GMI) team and the National Institutes of Health eRA team will review eRA Commons account management. These sessions will cover account setup, user roles and system navigation. 

• When: Thursday, Oct. 7

• Sessions: 

• 2 p.m. EDT - Administrative Staff Only. Register here.

• 3 p.m. EDT - All Users. Register here.

Important: Choose the appropriate session for your role. If you are a Principal Investigator (PD/PI), register for the “All Users” session. The Administrative Staff session is specifically designed for staff responsible for managing user accounts within their organizations. 

Programs Transitioning to eRA in Q1 2026. Only some NIFA programs will be affected.  

2026 National 4-H Conference Information Session

NIFA will host the 2026 National 4-H Conference on April 10-15, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. Known as “the Secretary’s Conference,” this Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  

Visit the National 4-H Conference webpage to learn more. Join us for an Information Session about 2026 National 4-H Conference on Nov. 20 at 4:00 p.m. EST. Register Online.