7 U.S.C. 3316; Pub. L. 106-107 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
As used in this part:
(1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;
(2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;
(3) Provides an educational program for which a bachelor's degree or any other higher degree is awarded;
(4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
(5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association. Unless otherwise stated for a specific program, this term includes a research foundation maintained by such an institution.
(1) Conducts any systematic study directed toward new or fuller knowledge and understanding of the subject studied; or,
(2) Systematically relates or applies the findings of research or scientific experimentation to the application of new approaches to problem solving, technologies, or management practices; and
(3) Has facilities, qualified personnel, independent funding, and prior projects and accomplishments in research or technology transfer.
(1) Animal health, production, and well-being.
(2) Plant health and production.
(3) Animal and plant germ plasm collection and preservation.
(4) Aquaculture.
(5) Food safety.
(6) Soil, water, and related resource conservation and improvement.
(7) Forestry, horticulture, and range management.
(8) Nutritional sciences and promotion.
(9) Farm enhancement, including financial management, input efficiency, and profitability.
(10) Home economics.
(11) Rural human ecology.
(12) Youth development and agricultural education, including 4-H clubs.
(13) Expansion of domestic and international markets for agricultural commodities and products, including agricultural trade barrier identification and analysis.
(14) Information management and technology transfer related to agriculture.
(15) Biotechnology related to agriculture.
(16) The processing, distributing, marketing, and utilization of food and agricultural products.
Any request by the applicant or awardee for a waiver of or deviation from any provision of this part shall be submitted to the ADO identified in the agency specific requirements. NIFA shall review the request and notify the applicant/awardee, within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the deviation request, whether the request to deviate has been approved. If the deviation request is still under consideration at the end of 30 calendar days, NIFA shall inform the applicant/awardee in writing of the date when the applicant/awardee may expect the decision.
Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to Federal assistance applications considered for review and to project grants and cooperative agreements awarded under NIFA Federal assistance programs. These include, but are not limited to:
7 CFR Part 1, subpart A—USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.
7 CFR Part 3—USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129, regarding debt management.
7 CFR Part 15, subpart A—USDA implementation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121—USDA implementation of the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002.
7 CFR Part 3015—USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, implementing OMB directives (
7 CFR Part 3016—USDA implementation of Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
7 CFR Part 3017—USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement).
7 CFR Part 3018—USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying. Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and loans.
7 CFR Part 3019—USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations (now relocated at 2 CFR part 215).
7 CFR Part 3021—USDA implementation of Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance).
7 CFR Part 3052—USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.
7 CFR Part 3407—NIFA procedures to implement the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR Part 15b (USDA implementation of statute)—prohibiting discrimination based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
35 U.S.C. 200
(a)
(b)
(a)
(1) Contact information.
(2) Directions for interested stakeholders or beneficiaries to submit written comments in a published program solicitation or RFA.
(3) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number.
(4) Legislative authority and background information.
(5) Purpose, priorities, and fund availability.
(6) Program-specific eligibility requirements.
(7) Program-specific restrictions on the use of funds, if Applicable.
(8) Matching requirements, if applicable.
(9) Acceptable types of applications.
(10) Types of projects to be given priority consideration, including maximum anticipated awards and maximum project lengths, if applicable.
(11) Program areas, if applicable.
(12) Funding restrictions, if applicable.
(13) Directions for obtaining additional requests for applications and application forms.
(14) Information about how to obtain application forms and the instructions for completing such forms.
(15) Instructions and requirements for submitting applications, including submission deadline(s).
(16) Explanation of the application evaluation Process.
(17) Specific evaluation criteria used in the review Process.
(18) Type of Federal assistance awards (
(b)
(1) Award management guidelines.
(2) Restrictions on the delegation of fiscal responsibility.
(3) Required approval for changes to project plans.
(4) Expected program outputs and reporting requirements, if applicable.
(5) Applicable Federal statutes and regulations.
(6) Confidential aspects of applications and awards, if applicable.
(7) Regulatory information.
(8) Definitions.
(9) Minimum and maximum budget requests, and whether applications outside of these limits will be returned without further review.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(c)
Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)) requires the Secretary to solicit and consider input on each program RFA from persons who conduct agricultural research, education, and extension for use in formulating future RFAs for competitive programs. NIFA will provide instructions for submission of stakeholder input in the RFA. NIFA will consider any comments received within the specified timeframe in the development of the future RFAs for the program.
(a)
(b)
(2)
(c)
The RFA provides instructions on how to access a funding opportunity. The funding opportunity contains the application package, which includes the forms necessary for completion of an application in response to the RFA, as well as the application instructions. The application instructions document, “NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide: A Guide for Preparation and Submission of NIFA Applications via Grants.gov,” is intended to assist applicants in the preparation and submission of applications to NIFA. It is also the primary document for use in the preparation of NIFA applications via Grants.gov.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(i) The NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application.
(ii) Summary of the previous reviewers' comments.
(iii) Explanation of how the previous reviewers' comments or previous panel summary have been addressed in the current application.
(2) Resubmitting an application that has been revised based on previous reviewers' critiques does not guarantee the application will be recommended for funding.
(b)
(2) An application may be submitted only once to NIFA. The submission of duplicative or substantially similar applications concurrently for review by more than one program will result in the exclusion of the redundant applications from NIFA consideration.
The receipt of all letters of intent and applications will be acknowledged by NIFA. Applicants who do not receive an acknowledgement within a certain number of days (as established in the RFA, e.g., 15 and 30 days) of the submission deadline should contact the program contact. Once the application has been assigned a proposal number by NIFA, that number should be cited on all future correspondence.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The guiding principle for Federal assistance application review and evaluation is to ensure that each proposal is treated in a consistent and fair manner regardless of regional and institutional affiliation. After the evaluation process by the review panel, NIFA, through the program officer, ensures that applicants receive appropriate feedback and comments on their proposals, and processes the awards in as timely a manner as possible.
Prior to technical examination, a preliminary review will be made of all applications for responsiveness to the administrative requirements set forth in the RFA. Applications that do not meet the administrative requirements may be eliminated from program competition. However, NIFA retains the right to conduct discussions with applicants to resolve technical and/or budget issues, as deemed necessary by NIFA.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, and extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities.
(2) Need to include as reviewers experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, and extension fields.
(3) Need to include as reviewers other experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs.
(4) Need to include as reviewers experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, State and Federal agencies, private profit and nonprofit organizations) and geographic locations.
(5) Need to maintain a balanced composition of reviewers with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution.
(6) Need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness to producers and the general public of each application.
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
NIFA may implement appropriate business processes to minimize or eliminate the awarding of NIFA Federal assistance that unnecessarily duplicates activities already being sponsored under other awards, including awards made by other Federal agencies. Business processes may include the review of the Current and Pending Support Form; documented CRIS searches prior to award; the conduct of PD workshops, conferences, meetings, and symposia; and agency participation in Federal Government-wide and other committees, taskforces, or groups that seek to solve problems related to agricultural research, education, and extension and other activities delegated to the NIFA Director.
Copies of individual reviews and/or summary reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, will be sent to the applicant PDs after the review process has been completed.
(a)
(b)
(1) Legal name and address of performing organization or institution to whom the Director has awarded a grant or cooperative agreement.
(2) Title of project.
(3) Name(s) and institution(s) of Project Director(s).
(4) Identifying award number assigned by NIFA or the Department.
(5) Project period.
(6) Total amount of NIFA financial assistance approved.
(7) Legal authority(ies) under which the grant or cooperative agreement is awarded.
(8) Appropriate CFDA number.
(9) Approved budget plan (that may be referenced).
(10) Other information or provisions (including the Terms and Conditions) deemed necessary by NIFA to carry out its respective awarding activities or to accomplish the purpose of a particular grant or cooperative agreement.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
Indirect cost rates for grants and cooperative agreements shall be determined in accordance with the applicable assistance regulations and cost principles, unless superseded by another authority. Use of indirect costs as in-kind matching contributions is subject to § 3430.52(b).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2)
(d)
(e)
(f)
In addition to reviewing (and monitoring the status of) progress and final technical reports and financial reports, NIFA Program Officers may use regular and periodic conference calls to monitor the awardee's performance as well as PD conferences, workshops, meetings, and symposia to not only monitor the awards, but to facilitate communication and the sharing of project results. These opportunities also serve to eliminate or minimize NIFA funding unneeded duplicative project activities. Required attendance at these conference calls, conferences, workshops, meetings, and symposia
(a)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The collection of debts owed to NIFA by awardees, including those resulting from cost disallowances, recovery of funds, unobligated balances, or other circumstances, are subject to the Department's debt collection procedures as set forth in 7 CFR part 3, and, with respect to cost disallowances, § 3430.59.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
The regulations in this subpart apply to the program authorized under section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632).
(a)
(1) Research in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics to improve crop characteristics, such as—
(i) Product, taste, quality, and appearance;
(ii) Environmental responses and tolerances;
(iii) Nutrient management, including plant nutrient uptake efficiency;
(iv) Pest and disease management, including resistance to pests and diseases resulting in reduced application management strategies; and
(v) Enhanced phytonutrient content.
(2) Efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including threats to specialty crop pollinators.
(3) Efforts to improve production efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including specialty crop policy and marketing).
(4) New innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening.
(5) Methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production and processing of specialty crops, including fresh produce.
(b)
The definitions applicable to the program under this subpart include:
Eligible applicants for the grant program implemented under this subpart include: Federal agencies, national laboratories; colleges and universities (offering associate's or higher degrees); research institutions and organizations; private organizations or corporations; State agricultural experiment stations; individuals; and groups consisting of 2 or more entities identified in this sentence.
For each RFA, NIFA may develop and include the appropriate project types and focus areas (in addition to the five focus areas identified in § 3430.201) based on the critical needs of the specialty crop industry as identified through stakeholder input and deemed appropriate by NIFA. Of the funds made available each fiscal year, not less than 10 percent of these funds shall be allocated for each of the five focus areas identified in § 3430.201. In making awards for this program, NIFA will give higher priority to projects that are multistate, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary; and include explicit mechanisms to communicate the results to producers and the public.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
The term of a grant under this subpart shall not exceed 10 years.
The regulations in this subpart apply to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) authorized under section 2(b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)).
The purpose of this program is to make competitive grants for fundamental and applied research, extension, and education to address food and agricultural sciences, as defined under section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).
The definitions applicable to the competitive grant programs under this subpart include:
(a)
(1) State agricultural experiment stations;
(2) Colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering an associate's degree);
(3) University research foundations;
(4) Other research institutions and organizations;
(5) Federal agencies;
(6) National laboratories;
(7) Private organizations or corporations;
(8) Individuals; and
(9) Any group consisting of 2 or more entities identified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (8) of this section.
(b)
(1) Colleges and universities;
(2) 1994 Institutions; and
(3) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).
(c)
(1)
(2)
(i) The doctoral degree of the applicant must be received not earlier than January 1 of the calendar year three years prior to the submission of the proposal and not later than nine months after the proposal due date; and
(ii) For pre-doctoral applications, the applicant must have advanced to candidacy by the application deadline.
(3)
(i) Small and mid-sized academic institutions that have had limited institutional success;
(ii) Degree-granting institutions and State agricultural experiment stations (SAES) in USDA Experimental Program for Stimulating Competitive Research (EPSCoR) states; and
(iii) Minority-serving institutions with limited institutional success.
For each RFA, NIFA may develop and include the appropriate types of projects and focus areas to address the needs of scientists and educators in advanced or early stages of their careers and the differences in institutional capabilities. Types of projects will be revisited periodically based on stakeholder input and as deemed appropriate by NIFA. Types of projects under AFRI include, but are not limited to, the following.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i)
(A) To an institution to allow for the improvement of the research, development, technology transfer, education, and extension capacity of the institution through the acquisition of special research equipment and the improvement of agricultural research, education, and extension;
(B) To single investigators or coinvestigators who are beginning research, education, or extension careers and do not have an extensive publication record;
(C) To ensure that the faculty of small, mid-sized, and minority-serving institutions who have not previously been successful in obtaining competitive grants under this subsection receive a portion of the grants; and
(D) To improve research, extension, and education capabilities in USDA EPSCoR States, as defined in § 3430.302.
(ii)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(
(
(
(
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the amount of an equipment grant may not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the special research equipment or other equipment acquired using funds from the grant.
(2)
(d)
(1) Commodity-specific; and
(2) Not of national scope.
(a)
(b)
The Secretary may set award limits up to 10 years based on priorities and stakeholder input, subject to other statutory limitations. The duration of individual awards may vary as specified in the RFA and is subject to the availability of appropriations.
NIFA will award competitive grants in the following areas:
(a) Plant health and production and plant products. Plant systems, including:
(1) Plant genome structure and function;
(2) Molecular and cellular genetics and plant biotechnology;
(3) Conventional breeding, including cultivar and breed development, selection theory, applied quantitative genetics, breeding for improved food quality, breeding for improved local adaptation to biotic stress and abiotic stress, and participatory breeding;
(4) Plant-pest interactions and biocontrol systems;
(5) Crop plant response to environmental stresses;
(6) Unproved nutrient qualities of plant products; and
(7) New food and industrial uses of plant products.
(b) Animal health and production and animal products. Animal systems, including:
(1) Aquaculture;
(2) Cellular and molecular basis of animal reproduction, growth, disease, and health;
(3) Animal biotechnology;
(4) Conventional breeding, including breed development, selection theory, applied quantitative genetics, breeding for improved food quality, breeding for improved local adaptation to biotic stress and abiotic stress, and participatory breeding;
(5) Identification of genes responsible for improved production traits and resistance to disease;
(6) Improved nutritional performance of animals;
(7) Improved nutrient qualities of animal products and uses; and
(8) The development of new and improved animal husbandry and production systems that take into account production efficiency, animal well-being, and animal systems applicable to aquaculture.
(c) Food safety, nutrition, and health. Nutrition, food safety and quality, and health, including:
(1) Microbial contaminants and pesticides residue relating to human health;
(2) Links between diet and health;
(3) Bioavailability of nutrients;
(4) Postharvest physiology and practices; and
(5) Improved processing technologies.
(d) Renewable energy, natural resources, and environment. Natural resources and the environment, including:
(1) Fundamental structures and functions of ecosystems;
(2) Biological and physical bases of sustainable production systems;
(3) Minimizing soil and water losses and sustaining surface water and ground water quality;
(4) Global climate effects on agriculture;
(5) Forestry; and
(6) Biological diversity.
(e) Agriculture systems and technology. Engineering, products, and processes, including:
(1) New uses and new products from traditional and nontraditional crops, animals, byproducts, and natural resources;
(2) Robotics, energy efficiency, computing, and expert systems;
(3) New hazard and risk assessment and mitigation measures; and
(4) Water quality and management.
(f) Agriculture economics and rural communities. Markets, trade, and policy, including:
(1) Strategies for entering into and being competitive in domestic and overseas markets;
(2) Farm efficiency and profitability, including the viability and competitiveness of small and medium-sized dairy, livestock, crop and other commodity operations;
(3) New decision tools for farm and market systems;
(4) Choices and applications of technology;
(5) Technology assessment; and
(6) New approaches to rural development, including rural entrepreneurship.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Each fiscal year, a percentage of AFRI funding (no less than 10 percent of the available funding) will be awarded as FASE awards. This percentage requirement may be adjusted by the Secretary based upon priorities and stakeholder input.
(2) The Secretary shall use not less than 25 percent of the funds made available for FASE grants to provide fellowships to outstanding pre- and postdoctoral students for research in the agricultural sciences.
(d)
(a)
(1)
(2)
(b)
NIFA shall ensure that grants made under this subpart are, where appropriate, consistent with the development of systems of sustainable agriculture as defined in section 1404 of NARETPA.
The regulations in this subpart apply to the program authorized under section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (FACT Act), as amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA), Public Law 110-246 (7 U.S.C. 5925b).
(a) The purpose of this program is to make competitive grants, in consultation with the Advisory Board, to support research and extension activities regarding organically grown and processed agricultural commodities.
(b) Grants may be made for the following purposes:
(1) Facilitating the development of organic agriculture production, breeding, and processing methods;
(2) Evaluating the potential economic benefits to producers and processors who use organic methods;
(3) Exploring international trade opportunities for organically grown and processed agricultural commodities;
(4) Determining desirable traits for organic commodities;
(5) Identifying marketing and policy constraints on the expansion of organic agriculture;
(6) Conducting advanced on-farm research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for working organic farms, including research relating to production and marketing and to socioeconomic conditions;
(7) Examining optimal conservation and environmental outcomes relating to organically produced agricultural products; and
(8) Developing new and improved seed varieties that are particularly suited for organic agriculture.
The definitions applicable to the competitive grant programs under this subpart include:
Unless otherwise specified in the RFA, eligible applicants for the grant program implemented under this subpart include:
(a) State agricultural experiment stations;
(b) Colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering an associate's degree);
(c) University research foundations;
(d) Other research institutions and organizations;
(e) Federal agencies;
(f) National laboratories;
(g) Private organizations or corporations;
(h) Individuals; and
(i) Any group consisting of 2 or more entities identified in paragraphs (a) through (i) of this section.
For each RFA, NIFA may develop and include the appropriate project types and priority areas based on stakeholder input and as deemed appropriate by NIFA. Duration and amount of grants may vary depending on the type of project.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
(2) When all three of the following conditions are present:
(i) The project involves a minor commodity,
(ii) The project deals with scientifically important research, and
(iii) The grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
Following the completion of a peer review process for grant proposals received under this subpart, the Director may provide a priority for those proposals, found in the peer review process to be scientifically meritorious, that involve the cooperation of multiple entities.
The regulations in this subpart apply to the program authorized under section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA), 7 U.S.C. 7626, as amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA), Public Law 110-246.
The purpose of this subpart is to make competitive grants for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities.
The definitions applicable to the competitive grant programs under this subpart include:
The following entities are eligible to apply for and receive a grant under this subpart:
(a) Colleges and universities;
(b) 1994 Institutions; and
(c) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103), and in the RFA).
For each RFA, NIFA may develop and include the appropriate project types and priority areas based on stakeholder input and as deemed appropriate by NIFA, in consultation with the Advisory Board, and that involve integrated research, extension, and education activities. Duration and amount of grants may vary depending on the type of project.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
(2) When all three of the following conditions are present:
(i) The project involves a minor commodity,
(ii) The project deals with scientifically important research, and
(iii) The grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
(a)
(b)
The regulations in this subpart apply to the program authorized under section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f).
The purpose of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) is to establish a beginning farmer and rancher development program that provides local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers.
The definitions applicable to the program under this subpart include:
To be eligible to receive an award under this subpart, the recipient shall be a collaborative State, tribal, local, or regionally-based network or partnership of public or private entities, including:
(a) A State cooperative extension service;
(b) A Federal, State, or tribal agency;
(c) A community-based and nongovernmental organization;
(d) A college or university (including a junior college offering an associate's degree) or foundation maintained by a college or university;
(e) A private for-profit organization; or
(f) Any other appropriate partner, as determined by the Secretary.
(a)
(1) Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships.
(2) Resources and referral.
(3) Assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers.
(4) Innovative farm and ranch transfer strategies.
(5) Entrepreneurship and business training.
(6) Model land leasing contracts.
(7) Financial management training.
(8) Whole farm planning.
(9) New and emerging issues, facing farmers and ranchers, including climate change and changing world markets.
(10) Conservation assistance.
(11) Risk management education.
(12) Diversification and marketing strategies.
(l3) Curriculum development.
(14) Understanding the impact of concentration and globalization.
(15) Basic livestock and crop farming practices, forestry and range management.
(16) Acquisition and management of agricultural credit.
(17) Environmental compliance.
(18) Information processing.
(19) Tax management, including record keeping and tax form preparation.
(20) Basic agricultural law.
(21) Other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers or ranchers.
NIFA may include additional activities or focus areas that further address the critical needs of beginning farmers and ranchers as defined in this subpart. Some of these activities or focus areas may be identified by stakeholder groups or by NIFA in response to emerging critical needs of the Nation's farmers and ranchers.
(b)
(1) to establish beginner farmer and rancher educational enhancement projects that develop curricula and conduct educational programs and workshops for beginning farmers or ranchers in diverse geographical areas of the Unites States; and
(2) to establish and maintain an online clearinghouse.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
NIFA shall seek and obtain stakeholder input through a variety of forums (e.g., public meetings, request for input and/or via Web site), as well as through a notice in the
(a) Beginning farmers and ranchers.
(b) National, State, tribal, and local organizations, community-based organizations, and other persons with expertise in operating beginning farmer and rancher programs.
(c) The Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers established under section 5 of the Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (7 U.S.C. 1929 note; Pub. L. 102-554).
(a)
(1) Relevancy.
(2) Technical merit.
(3) Achievability.
(4) The expertise and track record of one or more applicants.
(5) The adequacy of plans for the participatory evaluation process, outcome-based reporting, and the communication of findings and results beyond the immediate target audience.
(6) Other appropriate factors, as determined by the Secretary.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) Limited resource beginning farmers or ranchers (as defined in § 3430.602).
(2) Socially disadvantaged beginning farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)).
(3) Farm workers (including immigrant farm workers) desiring to become farmers or ranchers.
(b)
(c)
(d)
The regulations in this subpart apply to the Federal assistance awards made under the program authorized under section 9008 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8108), as amended by section 9001 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246).
In carrying out the program, NIFA, in cooperation with the Department of
(a) Technologies and processes necessary for abundant commercial production of biofuels at prices competitive with fossil fuels;
(b) High-value biobased products—
(1) To enhance the economic viability of biofuels and power,
(2) To serve as substitutes for petroleum-based feedstocks and products, and
(3) To enhance the value of coproducts produced using the technologies and processes; and
(c) A diversity of economically and environmentally sustainable domestic sources of renewable biomass for conversion to biofuels, bioenergy, and biobased products.
The definitions specific to BRDI are from the authorizing legislation, the National Program Leadership of NIFA, and the Department of Energy. The definitions applicable to the program under this subpart include:
(1) Biofuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin;
(2) Biofuel derived from sugar and starch (other than ethanol derived from corn kernel starch);
(3) Biofuel derived from waste material, including crop residue, other vegetative waste material, animal waste, food waste, and yard waste;
(4) Diesel-equivalent fuel derived from renewable biomass, including algael oils, oil seed crops, re-claimed vegetable oils and animal fat;
(5) Biogas (including landfill gas and sewage waste treatment gas) produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass;
(6) Butanol or other alcohols produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass; and
(7) Other fuel derived from cellulosic biomass.
(1) An industrial product (including chemicals, materials, and polymers) produced from biomass; or
(2) A commercial or industrial product (including animal feed and electric power) derived in connection with the conversion of biomass to fuel.
(1) Heat;
(2) Power;
(3) Biobased products; or
(4) Advanced biofuels.
(1) Converts renewable biomass into biofuels and biobased products; and
(2) May produce electricity.
(1) Materials, pre-commercial thinnings, or invasive species from National Forest System land (as defined in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)) and public lands (as defined in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)) that—
(i) Are byproducts of preventive treatments that are removed to reduce hazardous fuels; to reduce or contain disease or insect infestation; or to restore ecosystem health;
(ii) Would not otherwise be used for higher-value products; and
(iii) Are harvested in accordance with applicable law and land management plans; and the requirements for—
(A) Old-growth maintenance, restoration, and management direction of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (e) of section 102 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6512); and
(B) Large-tree retention of subsection (f) of section 102 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6512); or
(2) Any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis from non-Federal land or land belonging to an Indian or Indian tribe that is held in trust by the United States or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States, including—
(i) Renewable plant material, including feed grains; other agricultural commodities; other plants and trees; and algae; and
(ii) Waste material, including crop residue; other vegetative waste material (including wood waste and wood residues); animal waste and byproducts (including fats, oils, greases, and manure); and food waste and yard waste.
To be eligible to receive an award under this subpart, the recipient shall be—
(a) An institution of higher education (as defined in § 3430.702);
(b) A National Laboratory;
(c) A Federal research agency;
(d) A State research agency;
(e) A private sector entity (as defined in § 3430.702 of this part);
(f) A nonprofit organization; or
(g) A consortium of two or more entities listed in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(i) The development of diverse cost-effective technologies for the use of cellulosic biomass in the production of biofuels and biobased products; and
(ii) Product diversification through technologies relevant to production of a range of biobased products (including chemicals, animal feeds, and cogenerated power) that potentially can increase the feasibility of fuel production in a biorefinery.
(3)
(ii)
(iii)
(b)
(1) Create continuously expanding opportunities for participants in existing biofuels production by seeking synergies and continuity with current technologies and practices;
(2) Maximize the environmental, economic, and social benefits of production of biofuels and derived biobased products on a large scale; and
(3) Facilitate small-scale production and local and on-farm use of biofuels, including the development of smallscale gasification technologies for production of biofuel from cellulosic feedstocks.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) After consultation with the Board, NIFA, in cooperation with DOE, shall:
(1) Publish annually one or more joint requests for proposals for Federal assistance under BRDI; and
(2) Require that Federal assistance under BRDI be awarded based on a scientific peer review by an independent panel of scientific and technical peers.
(b) NIFA, in cooperation with DOE, shall ensure that applicable research results and technologies from the BRDI are:
(1) Adapted, made available, and disseminated, as appropriate; and
(2) Included in the best practices database established under section 1672C(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925e(e)).
(a)
(b)
(1) Involve a consortium of experts from multiple institutions;
(2) Encourage the integration of disciplines and application of the best technical resources; and
(3) Increase the geographic diversity of demonstration projects.
The term of a Federal assistance award made for a BRDI project shall not exceed 5 years. No-cost extensions of time beyond the maximum award terms will not be considered or granted.
The regulations in this subpart apply to the program authorized under section 1473E of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e), as amended.
The purpose of this program is to make grants available for technology development, applied research, and training, with a focus on rural communities, to aid in the development of workforces for bioenergy, pulp and paper manufacturing, and agriculture-based renewable energy workforce.
The definitions applicable to the program under this subpart include:
(1) An institution of higher education that:
(i) Admits as regular students persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is located and who have the ability to benefit from the training offered by the institution;
(ii) Does not provide an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor's degree (or an equivalent degree); and
(iii) (A) Provides an educational program of not less than 2 years in duration that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree; or
(B) Offers a 2-year program in engineering, mathematics, or the physical or biological sciences, designed to prepare a student to work as a technician or at the semi-professional level in engineering, scientific, or other technological fields requiring the understanding and application of basic engineering, scientific, or mathematical principles of knowledge (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(6)).
(2) For this grants program, such Community Colleges must be located within a
(1) An application for a project:
(i) Which will involve the applicant institution/organization working in cooperation with one or more other entities not legally affiliated with the applicant institution/organization, including other schools, colleges, universities, community colleges, units of State government, private sector organizations, or a consortium of institutions; and
(ii) Where the applicant institution/organization and each cooperating entity will assume a significant role in the conduct of the proposed project.
(2) To demonstrate a substantial involvement with the project, the applicant institution/organization submitting a joint project proposal must retain at least 30 percent but not more than 70 percent of the awarded funds, and no cooperating entity may receive less than 10 percent of awarded funds. Only the applicant institution/organization must meet the definition of an eligible institution/organization as specified in this RFA; other entities participating in a joint project proposal are not required to meet the definition of an eligible institution/organization.
(1) Where the applicant institution/organization will be the sole entity involved in the execution of the project; or
(2) Which will involve the applicant institution/organization and one or more other entities, but where the involvement of the other entity(ies) does not meet the requirements for a joint proposal as defined in this section.
Applications may be submitted by either:
(a) Public or private nonprofit community colleges, or
(b) Advanced technological centers,
(1) Be located in a
(2) Have been in existence as of June 18, 2008;
(3) Participate in agricultural or bioenergy research and applied research;
(4) Have a proven record of development and implementation of programs to meet the needs of students, educators, and business and industry to supply the agriculture-based, renewable energy or pulp and paper manufacturing fields with certified technicians, as determined by the Secretary; and
(5) Have the ability to leverage existing partnerships and occupational outreach and training programs for secondary schools, 4-year institutions, and relevant nonprofit organizations.
For each RFA, NIFA may develop and include the appropriate project types and focus areas based on the critical needs identified through stakeholder input and deemed appropriate by NIFA.
(a) In addition, priority in funding shall be given to eligible entities working in partnerships to:
(1) Improve information-sharing capacity;
(2) Maximize the ability to meet the requirements of the RFA; and
(3) To address the following two RTP goals:
(i) To increase the number of students encouraged to pursue and complete a 2-year postsecondary degree, or a certificate of completion, within an occupational focus of this grant program; and
(ii) To assist rural communities by helping students achieve their career goals to develop a viable workforce for bioenergy, pulp and paper manufacturing, or agriculture-based renewable energy.
(b) Applicants may submit applications for one of the three project types:
(1) Regular project proposal (the applicant executes the project without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners);
(2) Joint project proposal (the applicant executes the project with assistance from at least one additional partner and must share grant funds with the additional partner(s)); and
(3) Conference/planning grant to facilitate strategic planning session(s).
(a)
(b)
(c)
There are no matching requirements for grants under this subpart.
NIFA shall seek and obtain stakeholder input through a variety of forums (e.g., public meetings, requests for input and/or Web site), as well as through a notice in the
(a) Community college(s).
(b) Advanced technological center(s), located in rural area, for technology development, applied research, and/or training.
(a) Potential for Advancing Quality of Technology Development, Applied Research, and/or Training/Significance of the Program.
(b) Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages.
(c) Institution Organization Capability and Capacity Building.
(d) Key Personnel.
(e) Budget and Cost-Effectiveness.
(a)
(b)
The regulations in this subpart apply to the Federal assistance awards made under the program authorized under section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA), Pub. L. 110-246 (7 U.S.C. 8114).
In carrying out the program, NIFA is authorized to make awards under section 7526 of the FCEA to eligible entities (as designated in section 7526(b)(1)(A)-(F) of the FCEA) to fund subgrants and activities that:
(a) Enhance national energy security through the development, distribution, and implementation of biobased energy technologies;
(b) Promote diversification in, and the environmental sustainability of, agricultural production in the United States through biobased energy and product technologies;
(c) Promote economic diversification in rural areas of the United States through biobased energy and product technologies; and
(d) Enhance the efficiency of bioenergy and biomass research and development programs through improved coordination and collaboration among the Department, the Department of Energy, and land-grant colleges and universities.
The definitions specific to the Sun Grant Program are from the authorizing legislation, the National Program
(1) An industrial product (including chemicals, materials, and polymers) produced from biomass; or
(2) A commercial or industrial product (including animal feed and electric power) derived in connection with the conversion of biomass to fuel.
(a)
(1) A North-Central Center at South Dakota State University for the region composed of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming;
(2) A Southeastern Center at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for the region composed of the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands;
(3) A South-Central Center at Oklahoma State University for the region composed of the States of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas;
(4) A Northeastern Center at Cornell University for the region composed of the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia;
(5) A Western Center at Oregon State University for the region composed of the States of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, and insular areas (other than the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands); and
(6) A Western Insular Pacific Subcenter at the University of Hawaii (that receives Federal funds through the Western Center rather than directly from NIFA, in accordance with § 3430.1004(b)) for the region of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.
(b)
(1) Must be located in the region covered by the applicable Center or Subcenter; and
(2) Must be one of the following:
(i) State agricultural experiment station;
(ii) College or university;
(iii) University research foundation;
(iv) Other research institution or organization;
(v) Federal agency;
(vi) National laboratory;
(vii) Private organization or corporation;
(viii) Individual; or
(ix) Any group consisting of 2 or more entities described in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (viii) of this section.
(c)
(a)
(1)
(i)
(ii)
(2)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(a)
The Centers and Subcenter shall maintain, at the North-Central Center, a Sun Grant Information Analysis Center to provide the Centers and Subcenter with analysis and data management support. Each Center and Subcenter shall allocate a portion of the funds available for administrative or indirect costs under § 3430.1005 to maintain the Sun Grant Information Analysis Center.
In addition to other reporting requirements agreed to in the terms and conditions of each award, not later than 90 days after the end of each Federal fiscal year, each Center and Subcenter shall submit to NIFA a report that describes the policies, priorities, and operations of the program carried out by the Center or Subcenter during the fiscal year, including the results of all peer and merit review procedures conducted as part of administering the regional competitive research, extension, and educational grant programs; and a description of progress made in facilitating the plan described in § 3430.1007.
Panel reviewers conducting merit reviews on proposals submitted by the Centers will be instructed to ensure that proposals adequately address the plan developed in accordance with § 3430.1007 for consideration of the relevance and merit of proposals.
The term of a Federal assistance award made under the Sun Grant Program shall not exceed 5 years. No-cost extensions of time beyond the maximum award terms will not be considered or granted.