The FY 2025 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) program, funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), offers approximately $70 million to support integrated research, education, and extension projects addressing critical challenges in sustainable agriculture. Awards range from $2.5 million to $10 million and are available for projects of up to five years. The program emphasizes innovative, systems-based approaches to address food security, climate-smart agriculture, bioeconomy development, and workforce integration.

The primary objectives are to transform U.S. food and agricultural systems to enhance production while reducing environmental impacts, improve rural economies, and address social, economic, and environmental sustainability challenges. Proposals should aim to reduce food waste, foster economic equity, and strengthen local and regional food systems. The program specifically encourages projects that integrate research, education, and extension, and that address at least one of the three focus areas: strengthening the bioeconomy, improving food and nutrition security, and advancing climate-smart agriculture and forestry.

Eligible applicants include U.S. colleges, universities, and minority-serving institutions. Proposals must demonstrate full integration of research, education, and extension components and include stakeholder engagement, performance metrics, and measurable impacts. The program strongly encourages participation from underserved and minority communities, partnerships with 4-H and other youth development programs, and collaboration with USDA Nutrition Hubs. A mentoring plan is required for educational components, and a data management plan must be included.

Applications are due by May 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET, with a recommended (but not mandatory) notification of intent due by March 27, 2025. Applicants must submit their proposals electronically through Grants.gov. Specific requirements include a project summary, narrative, logic model, management and mentoring plans, budget, and supporting documents. Failure to include critical sections, such as the project narrative, will disqualify the application.

Proposals will be evaluated through a peer review process, with criteria emphasizing scientific merit, relevance to program goals, and potential societal impacts. Centers of Excellence (COE) designations will be considered for highly ranked applications, providing additional recognition. Applicants may also pursue collaborations with international partners if the project demonstrates direct benefits to U.S. agriculture.

Key dates include a mandatory project start date no later than September 30, 2025. Travel for Project Director meetings must be budgeted for all active award years. Funding cannot be used for building renovations, fixed equipment installations, or new construction. Indirect costs are capped at 30% of the total federal award amount, and matching contributions are required for certain applied research grants.