[Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research](https://foundationfar.org)

December 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. EST

$50,000–$250,000 per award | Up to 20 awards | 12-month project period

Funds research to develop sustainable packaging solutions for U.S. specialty crop exporters facing new global packaging regulations.

--- ## Description The Packaging Innovation Program supports research that advances sustainable packaging innovations for U.S. producers and specialty crop exporters. This collaborative initiative, led by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) in partnership with Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP), aims to address the challenges posed by emerging global restrictions on single-use and plastic packaging. The program seeks projects that will enable U.S. specialty crops to remain competitive and compliant in key export markets such as the EU, UK, Canada, and Japan. The program is structured around three tracks: - **Applied R&D:** For lab-stage solutions ready for pilot-scale production. - **Technology Accelerator:** For scaling up promising packaging innovations. - **Scale-up and Pilot:** For pilot manufacturing and commercialization of new packaging solutions. Awardees will also benefit from industry and consumer insights, life cycle assessments, and legal reviews of packaging regulations. --- ## Due Dates - **Full Proposal Deadline:** December 17, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Range:** $50,000 to $250,000 per project - **Number of Awards:** Up to 20 - **Project Duration:** 12 months - **Matching Requirement:** None --- ## Eligibility - Institutions of higher education (domestic and international) - Non-profit and for-profit organizations - Government-affiliated researchers - International entities (with clear collaboration with U.S.-based researchers, packaging companies, or specialty crop exporters) - Individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources are encouraged to apply through their organizations --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Program Details:** Read the [Request for Applications (RFA)](https://foundationfar.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RFA-Packaging-Innovation-Program.pdf) for track-specific requirements. 2. **Prepare Application Materials:** Use [required forms and templates](https://foundationfar.org/grants-funding/resources/forms-and-examples/), including budget worksheets, current and pending support, and biosketches. 3. **Submit Application:** Applications must be submitted through the [FFAR Grants Management System](https://us.grantrequest.com/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fapplication.aspx%3fsid%3d6242%26fid%3d35237&sid=6242&fid=35237). New users must create an account. 4. **Deadline:** Ensure submission by December 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. EST. Late or emailed applications are not accepted. --- ## Additional Information - No matching funds are required. - Awardees gain access to industry and consumer insights, LCA analyses, and legal reviews. - For an overview and Q&A, view the [informational webinar recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UGrCIgcPfk). --- ## External Links - [Program Opportunity Page](https://foundationfar.org/grants-funding/opportunities/packaging-innovation-program/) - [Full RFA (PDF)](https://foundationfar.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RFA-Packaging-Innovation-Program.pdf) - [Application Portal](https://us.grantrequest.com/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fapplication.aspx%3fsid%3d6242%26fid%3d35237&sid=6242&fid=35237) - [Required Forms & Examples](https://foundationfar.org/grants-funding/resources/forms-and-examples/) - [Informational Webinar Recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UGrCIgcPfk) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Grants Management | [grants@foundationfar.org](mailto:grants@foundationfar.org) | | Dr. Constance Gewa (Program Director) | [cgewa@foundationfar.org](mailto:cgewa@foundationfar.org) | For technical issues with the application system, contact the Grants Management team. For program-specific questions, contact Dr. Constance Gewa.

Packaging Innovation Program

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