USDA accepting applications for research, pest and disease programs

USDA programs related to research facilities as well as pests and disease are now accepting applications for funding.

The Research Facilities Act Program is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying institutions for the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation or remodeling of agricultural research facilities to conduct research in the fields of food and agricultural science. The program is accepting applicants for $125 million in funding opportunities until July 17.

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is accepting applications for Agriculture and Food Research Initiative programs designed to combat invasive pests. Rapid response programs deploy strategies and fill knowledge gaps to protect the nation’s food and agricultural supply chains after the emergence of pests and diseases in both animal and plant production systems.

In addition, the National AgrAbility Project, aimed at enhancing quality of life for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities, will play host to four upcoming webinars beginning at 3 p.m.:

• June 30: The Motherhouse Project: A Beekeeper Client Success Story
• July 7: Mental Health and Agriculture: The OT Perspective and Practice
• July 14: Cultivating Resilience:  How Missouri AgrAbility and 4-H Promote Farm Safety and Mental Wellbeing for All Youth
• July 28: Communicating Economic Impacts of AgrAbility to Stakeholders

A question-and-answer period is scheduled for each presentation.