The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit technical feedback on research activities under the Feed the Future Innovation Labs initiative. This RFI, issued by the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS), aims to guide future investments in research to improve food security through innovation. The initiative focuses on enhancing the genetics and management of perennial crops, developing climate-resilient and nutritious vegetable crops, and integrating sustainable practices for water, soil, and land management. The feedback will help USAID align its research priorities with stakeholder needs while fostering collaboration across sectors and regions.

The primary objectives of the RFI include identifying perennial crop market segments with significant impact potential, advancing genetic and phenomic applications for crop improvement, and addressing social barriers to technology adoption, particularly for women smallholder farmers. Additionally, USAID seeks to prioritize nutrient-dense crops such as amaranth, okra, and eggplant, which hold promise for addressing malnutrition and enhancing climate resilience. The agency also aims to improve integrated land, soil, and water management practices to support smallholder, rainfed agricultural systems under climate stress.

Eligible respondents to this RFI include implementing partners, researchers, local organizations, NGOs, and stakeholders from low- and middle-income countries. Responses should address specific thematic areas, such as the adoption of perennial crops, opportunities in genetic improvement for horticultural crops, and innovations in land and water management. The RFI is strictly for information gathering and does not guarantee funding opportunities. However, it offers an avenue for stakeholders to influence the development of future programs.

Submission guidelines require respondents to email their feedback to ftfresearch@usaid.gov no later than January 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST. Responses should be formatted in a Microsoft Word document, with a maximum length of six pages and structured into three sections corresponding to the thematic areas of the RFI. Specific details about submission requirements, including the reference number (7200AA25RFI00TBD), must be included in the email.

An Industry Day is planned for late January to early February 2025 to provide further details about the program, encourage new partnerships, and outline the application process for subsequent funding opportunities. This event will also cover other planned Innovation Labs, such as those focusing on Sustainable Livestock Systems and Holistic Risk Management for Resilient Food Systems.

USAID emphasizes the importance of demand-driven research to tackle global food security challenges sustainably. The agency encourages stakeholders to share insights into barriers, opportunities, and innovations that can drive progress in perennial crop adoption, horticultural breeding, and integrated resource management. Respondents are particularly urged to highlight solutions that address gender equity and socio-economic inclusivity to ensure broad-based benefits across Feed the Future target countries.