The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA), offers grants to small businesses that find solutions for new and better agriculture products and services. The organization provides over $6 million in grants to small businesses in 28 states for research and development.
Grants are awarded for projects that improve the productivity of agriculture, protect animal and plant health, create new agriculture products, and improve nutrition and health for humans. Grants are available in 10 topic areas; awards vary according to the project category.
One example is the area of food science and nutrition. Small businesses may apply for grants ranging from $70,000 - $100,000 for projects that improve methods for processing and packaging food that will result in improved quality and nutritional value.
Each grant has its own deadline for applying. Many grants are still open with deadlines July 31 up to the end of September.
Grants for small businesses are provided as part of an FDA initiative to revitalize agriculture communities in America. Grants for discovering better agriculture and food systems is one way NIFA supports the future of food, agriculture and natural resources. Hundreds of small businesses have received grants to support their work of developing better agriculture products and services for America.
For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov/business/business.html