National Institute of Food and Agriculture AI policy

For reviewers

• Generative AI tools may not be used during NIFA's application evaluation process. NIFA says it is abiding by USDA interim guidance that prohibits USDA agencies' staff and contractors from using public third-party generative AI tools, and that it cannot protect non-public information disclosed to a third-party generative AI system from being accessed by undisclosed third parties.[1][2]

Sources

1. [1]

   NIFA Peer Review Process for Competitive Grant Applications (January 2026), Prohibited Use of Generative AI Technology in NIFA Peer Review Process

   USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, January 1, 2026

   “To safeguard the integrity of NIFA’s extensive peer review process, NIFA prohibits the use of generative AI tools during the application evaluation process.”

   “USDA issued interim guidance to all its Agencies’ staff and contractors prohibiting the use of public third-party Generative AI tools until further governance can be put in place.”

   “NIFA is abiding by that guidance to maintain security and confidentiality which is crucial for safeguarding personal and scientific information that is exchanged with NIFA.”

   “NIFA cannot protect non-public information disclosed to a third-party generative AI system from being accessed by undisclosed third parties.”

2. [2]

   NIFA Update, September 4, 2024: Prohibited Use of Generative AI Technology in NIFA Peer Review Process

   USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, September 4, 2024

   “To safeguard the integrity of NIFA’s extensive peer review process, NIFA prohibits the use of generative AI tools during the proposal evaluation process.”