House Appropriations Committee Advances FY 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Bill

On April 30, the House Appropriations Committee advanced its fiscal year (FY) 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill by a vote of 35-25. Per the draft bill, the topline discretionary allocation is $26.27 billion, $380 million (1.4%) below FY 2026 of which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would receive $22.5 billion, $675 million or 3 percent below the FY 2026 enacted level.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Within the bill NIFA would receive $1.642 billion, a decrease of $34.3 million below the FY 2026 enacted level. Per the report accompanying the bill, funding for capacity programs is flat, a stark contrast to the proposed cuts and eliminations proposed by the Trump Administration. The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) would receive $435 million, flat with FY 2026. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program would be reduced by $8 million, and the Sun Grant and Farm Business Programs would be increased $500,000 each. The House bill once again allows the matching requirement for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative to be waived by the Secretary of Agriculture.

The Committee provides no funding for the following NIFA programs:

• Rural Health and Safety Initiative
• Continuing Animal H&D Program
• Secondary and 2-year Post-Secondary Education
• Research Equipment Grants
• Global Change UV Monitoring
• Open Data Standards for Neutral Data Repository
• Methyl Bromide Transition Program

Report language encouraging NIFA to support the Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes and “renew the five current institutes at current funding levels for the next five years, and to begin planning a process for these institutes to become permanent” is included. The report also “encourages NIFA to prioritize competitive research proposals from land-grant institutions that develop and deploy agricultural AI applications for specialty crop production, including technologies to mechanize harvesting, expand precision agriculture tools, and address critical invasive species and plant disease threats,” and consider the designation of Centers of Excellence at land-grant institutions that demonstrate leadership in AI research and innovation.

The Committee reaffirms support for the Research Facilities Act with this included report language, “The Committee recognizes the need for facility improvements at our nation’s land-grant universities and notes that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119–21) provided $125,000,000 per year in perpetuity for the Research Facilities Act.”

The report also urges USDA to consider awarding no less than 15% of funding available under the Grants and Fellowships for Food and Agricultural Sciences Education program to two-year institutions for grants related to agricultural conservation education and workforce development. Additional directions are given for Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards, citrus disease research, the Farm and Stress Assistance Network program, 1862/1890 partnerships, and numerous other programs.

Additional details will be provided after the markup. To watch the markup or review the bill and report, please click here. 

House Advances Farm Bill

The House Farm Bill, H.R. 7567 - Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, was passed today (April 30) on a vote of 224-200, with three Republicans voting against the bill while 14 Democrats voted in favor. This ends a week filled with highly contentious debate, delays, and at one point, suggestions the bill be pulled entirely. Spurring passage was the stripping of year-round E15 (it will be considered on its own at a later date) and bipartisan passage (280-142) of an amendment that strips language on pesticide labeling uniformity.

Following passage of the bill, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released a statement applauding the passage and stated, “I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate to continue this momentum and deliver Farm Bill 2.0 to the president’s desk to be signed into law. I look forward to releasing legislative text in the coming weeks.”

The Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) Model (Webinar Recording)

On Wednesday, April 8, APLU hosted a briefing for BAA leadership with APLU's Debbie Altenburg, VP, Research Policy, and Advocacy and Dr. Kelvin Drogemier, Chair of the Subject Matter Expert committee for the Joint Association Group (JAG) on Indirect Costs (and current Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Science and Policy, University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign), to discuss the state of play regarding federal grant indirect rate policy negotiations, the FAIR model, and how these intersect with USDA-funded research.

A recording of the webinar can be viewed here.

Passcode: FD1szF=8

Last year, APLU and several other national organizations came together to form the Joint Associations Group (JAG) on Indirect Costs and developed an efficient and transparent alternative model for how the federal government reimburses universities for the costs associated with conducting research on behalf of the American people, the Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) model. Long term, APLU and the JAG associations will be advocating for the FAIR model to be adopted by federal agencies to support the true costs of conducting research. It is important for the BAA to consider if the agricultural research community might join these efforts.

Additional resources on the current status of USDA indirect rates and the FAIR model are available here:

• NIFA explainer on indirect rates
• USDA indirect rates explainer from the University of Wisconsin
• APLU website on F&A and JAG 
• White paper on the FAIR model link and PDF

NIFA & APLU Seek Nominations for Knapp Lecture

This year, NIFA and APLU are seeking nominations for the prestigious Knapp Lecture. The lecture commemorates the efforts of Seaman A. Knapp, considered by many to be the founder of the Cooperative Extension System. He pioneered a demonstration system for teaching farmers about modern, research-based agricultural techniques, laying the groundwork for Extension as we know it today.  

We are seeking an insightful topic and a dynamic speaker who can provoke discussion among meeting participants and prepare a formal lecture to be presented prior to the APLU Annual Meeting. While we seek recommendations from those within the Land-grant University system, we also encourage you to share this information with colleagues outside of the research, education, and Extension system, including stakeholders, foundations, or public interest groups. Nominations are encouraged from all sources. 

Recommendations should include the name of the nominee, title, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and topic that could be discussed. Please submit your potential topic and/or presenter on or before June 5, 2026. Recommendations should be submitted electronically using this form. A committee will review submissions and select a lecturer.

Growing Together: Conversations with CEOs

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.

Colin Woodall, Chief Executive Officer, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Colin Woodall is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and leads the country’s oldest and largest national trade association for cattle producers in being the trusted voice and definitive leader of the beef industry.

"Land‑grant universities are leading important work on the future of cattle and beef production...[to] help producers do more with less in a resource‑constrained world. Right now, however, the most urgent challenge is finding new ways to combat the New World Screwworm. Land‑grant researchers are essential partners in developing innovative control methods, and Cooperative Extension plays a critical role in educating producers about prevention and detection." - Colin Woodall

Read the full interview.

  

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.

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.