Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage Systems
This grant funds research to improve alfalfa seed and forage yield, quality, harvesting, new uses, and pest management through advanced practices and technologies.
Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: June 12, 2026 (Full application submission deadline; applications due by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: $150,000–$300,000 per year for up to 3 years; total program funding approx. $3.7M; 4–5 awards expected.
Summary: Supports integrated research and extension projects to advance alfalfa seed and forage production systems, yield, quality, and novel uses.
Key Information: Dollar-for-dollar matching required unless waived; projects must include both research and extension components.
Description
This program funds integrated research and extension projects that improve alfalfa seed and forage production systems, practices, and supporting technologies. Projects must address both research and extension objectives and may include an education component. Focus areas include increasing yield and quality, optimizing harvest and storage, risk reduction, developing new uses for alfalfa, and improving pest and weed management. The program encourages interdisciplinary, multi-institutional, and regional or national coordination to maximize impact for U.S. alfalfa producers and end-users.
