The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced a funding opportunity for Tribal nations under the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) for Fiscal Year 2025. This program, authorized under the 2018 Farm Bill, aims to support projects that help prevent the introduction and spread of foreign and emerging animal diseases that could harm U.S. agriculture, particularly among livestock and poultry. Up to $500,000 is available to fund cooperative agreements with Tribes and Tribal partners, with no cost-sharing requirement.

Eligible applicants for this funding include Native American Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The application deadline is January 24, 2025, and all submissions must be completed through the USDA ezFedGrants system. The period of performance for the funded projects is expected to begin between August 1 and September 30, 2025, and must be completed within 24 months.

The funding priorities for FY 2025 focus on a range of activities aimed at enhancing animal disease preparedness and response. These include developing Tribal animal disease outbreak emergency response plans, supporting biosecurity measures for livestock and poultry, improving capacity for depopulation, carcass disposal, and decontamination in disease outbreaks, and enhancing animal disease traceability. Other priority areas include training and exercises for emergency response, outreach and education on disease prevention, and improving preparedness for aquatic and equine disease outbreaks.

Proposals should directly support one or more of these priority areas, and projects that address significant gaps in preparedness and response capabilities will be prioritized. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as industry organizations and other stakeholders, to leverage existing resources. Successful proposals will demonstrate a clear plan of action, measurable outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.

Applications must include a detailed work plan and financial plan, and must be submitted in PDF format through ezFedGrants. APHIS encourages early submission to avoid technical difficulties. All applications will undergo a competitive review process, and awards will be made based on the quality of the proposals and alignment with program priorities.

This funding opportunity is crucial for Tribal communities involved in livestock and poultry management, providing them with resources to enhance their preparedness for animal disease outbreaks and protect their agricultural livelihoods.