Agricultural and Food Policy Research Centers (10.291)
Agricultural and Food Policy Research Centers (Assistance Listing 10.291) is run by the Office of the Chief Economist, part of the Department of Agriculture. It awarded $27.0 million in 16 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $1.7 million per award on average. No funding opportunity is open on Grants.gov right now.
The typical award was $1.4 million. Half of the 16 awards fell between $1.3 million and $2.0 million, and they ranged from $100,000 to $3.0 million.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$27.0 million
- Grant awards16
- Typical award$1.4 million
- Awarded in FY 2025$9.7 million
- Size rank1,213 of 1,823
- Type of assistanceCooperative agreements
Key findings
- Annual funding fell from $11.3 million in fiscal 2021 to $9.7 million in fiscal 2025.
- It is the 1213th largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- Awards went to recipients in 4 states and territories.
What the program funds
Expanding the quality, scope, and application of agricultural research to develop best practices, innovations, and new technologies that improve food production, sustainability, and resilience in farming and food systems.
Open opportunities
No opportunity under this program is open or forecast on Grants.gov right now. Programs often post once a year, so the funding history below shows what to expect.
Rules from the program listing
Who can apply
Applicants must have substantial experience in the field of research for which they are applying, including a history of providing (1) unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress on the farm and agricultural sectors (including commodities, livestock, dairy, and specialty crops), the environment, rural families, households, and economies, and consumers, food, and nutrition; or (2) objective, scientific information to Federal agencies and the public to support and enhance efficient, accurate implementation of Federal drought preparedness and drought response programs, including inter agency thresholds used to determine eligibility for mitigation or emergency assistance.
What the money can and cannot pay for
Funding may be used for disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and education concerning policy research activities consistent with this section, including activities that— (1) quantify the implications of public policies and regulations; (2) develop theoretical and research methods; (3) collect, analyze, and disseminate data for policymakers, analysts, and individuals; and (4) develop programs to train analysts. Funds cannot be used for construction, renovation, real property purchases, and in most cases, equipment.;
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Deadlines
Oct 01, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026
Award range and average, in the agency's words
In FY24, the range of projects was $1,275,000 to $2,975,000 with an average of $1,922,000.
Examples of funded projects
Fiscal Year2025: In fiscal year 2025, awards provided state and regional farm financial analysis to develop systems to project state-level farm financial indicators and analyze issues likely to affect farm finances at the state and regional level.
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Agricultural and Food Policy Research Centers (10.291) awarded $27.0 million across 16 grant awards, an average of $1.7 million per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&m Agrilife Research | Texas | 5 | $10.9 million |
| University of Missouri System | Missouri | 6 | $10.2 million |
| Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska | Nebraska | 3 | $3.8 million |
| North Dakota State University | North Dakota | 2 | $2.0 million |
Who usually wins
Almost all of the money went to colleges and universities.
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colleges and universities | 16 | $27.0 million | 100% |
By state
Each state below has its own page for this program, with its recipients and yearly totals.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 5 | $10.9 million |
| Missouri | 6 | $10.2 million |
| Nebraska | 3 | $3.8 million |
| North Dakota | 2 | $2.0 million |