The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is requesting applications for its Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture Research.
Donor Name: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/15/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
The purpose of the Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture Research is to support the development of a vibrant, robust, and profitable aquaculture industry in the United States by generating new, science-based information and technology to address industry constraints. Applied research is needed to develop practical solutions that will facilitate growth and remove limitations to expansion of the United States aquaculture industry. Results of projects supported by this program are intended to help improve the profitability of the United States aquaculture industry, reduce the multi-billion-dollar United States seafood trade deficit, increase domestic food security, expand markets for United States produced products, and provide more jobs for rural and coastal America.
Applications must:
- Directly address major constraints to the United States aquaculture industry.
- Focus on one or more of the following Program Area Priorities:
- Genetics and genomics of commercial aquaculture species.
- Critical pest and disease issues impacting commercial aquaculture species.
- Maximizing farmer profit through novel technologies, improved production systems, and/or more effective management strategies for commercial aquaculture species.
- Economic research for increasing commercial aquaculture profitability.
Project and Grant Types
- Research Projects: All projects must focus on applied aquaculture research. Applied research means research that includes expansion of the findings of fundamental research to uncover practical ways in which new knowledge can be advanced to benefit aquaculture as a production system in the United States.
- Standard Grants: Applied research will be funded through standard grants that address program priorities.
Funding Information
- The amount available for the Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture Research in 2026 is $1,813,000.
- Maximum award of $300,000.
Grant Period
24 Months.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- State Agricultural Experiment Stations.
- Colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher).
- University research foundations.
- Other research institutions and organizations.
- Federal agencies.
- National laboratories.
- Private organizations or corporations.
- Individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.
- Any group consisting of two or more entities identified in (1) through (8).
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
