[California Department of Food and Agriculture](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov)

June 2026 (SAFE research grant full application deadline, projected)

Funding typically from a pool of at least $200,000 per cycle; individual award amounts and durations vary by project and board approval.

Supports research, outreach, and education to improve animal feed safety and regulatory compliance in California’s commercial feed industry.

--- ## Description The Safe Animal Feed Education (SAFE) Program, administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), provides research grants aimed at enhancing the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of commercial animal feed in California. The program funds projects that address critical feed and food safety issues, support the development of safe feed ingredients, and promote the safe diversion of human food waste to animal feed. Research priorities are guided by the Feed Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB) and its Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC), ensuring that funded projects align with the evolving needs of the commercial feed industry and public health goals. SAFE also offers a range of educational and outreach services, including guidance documents, workshops, consultations, and audits to foster voluntary compliance with state and federal feed safety regulations. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (SAFE research grant full application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - The SAFE Program is funded by a minimum of 15% of the state's commercial feed tonnage tax, or $200,000 per year—whichever is greater. - Individual research grant amounts and project durations are determined based on project scope and available funds, with funding decisions made by the Feed Inspection Advisory Board. - In past cycles, projects have ranged from $50,000 to $150,000, but amounts may vary. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants typically include: - Academic researchers, universities, and research institutions - Nonprofit organizations - Industry stakeholders and feed manufacturers collaborating with research entities - Projects must directly benefit the California commercial feed industry. - Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to conduct research in compliance with state and federal food/feed safety laws. - For trials involving unapproved feed additives or drugs, applicants must show compliance with FDA and CDFA requirements to ensure that products from experimental animals do not enter the human food chain. --- ## Application Process - The full application deadline is anticipated for June 2026 (date projected; confirm on program website). - Application materials typically include: - Detailed project proposal and objectives - Budget and justification - Compliance plan for relevant food/feed safety regulations - Letters of support or collaboration (if applicable) - Proposals are reviewed by the Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC), which makes recommendations to the Feed Inspection Advisory Board for funding approval. - Application instructions, forms, and updates are posted on the [SAFE Program website](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/safe.html). --- ## Additional Information - Research priorities are set annually based on industry needs and may include topics such as feed ingredient safety, mycotoxin management, food waste diversion, and compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act. - SAFE-funded projects have included studies on by-product feedstuff utilization and hemp residue safety in ruminant diets. - Educational support is available to awardees, including guidance on regulatory compliance and outreach dissemination. --- ## External Links - [SAFE Program Main Page](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/safe.html) - [SAFE Research Information](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/safe_research.html) - [CDFA Grants Portal](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants/) - [Feed Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB)](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/Feed_FIAB.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Program Page | |--------------------------|-------------------------------|---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | SAFE Program Staff | safe@cdfa.ca.gov | 916-900-5022 | [SAFE Program](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/safe.html) | | CDFA Public Affairs | OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov | 916-654-0466 | [CDFA Contact](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Contact_Us.html) |

Safe Animal Feed Education Program

Sign in to see full grant listing