Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program FY2026

The Borlaug Fellowship Program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through its Foreign Agricultural Service. This program is designed to strengthen international agricultural collaboration by supporting applied research, extension, and education partnerships between United States institutions and researchers from emerging market economies. The initiative is rooted in advancing U.S. agricultural trade interests by fostering science based policy alignment and building long term professional relationships between U.S. experts and international counterparts. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support U.S. colleges and universities in hosting international participants for short term fellowships focused on agricultural science and technology. Selected institutions will design and implement research and training programs that align with specific agricultural priorities identified by USDA. These programs emphasize regulatory science, genetic engineering, genome editing, and risk modeling, with the goal of improving global agricultural systems while enhancing market access for U.S. agricultural products. Funding under this opportunity totals over two million dollars, with approximately six awards anticipated. Individual awards may reach up to seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, depending on the number of participants and scope of activities. Funds are intended to support program implementation costs including travel, lodging, training activities, and administrative coordination. Certain restrictions apply, including limitations on indirect costs and prohibitions on using funds for lobbying or unrelated capital expenditures. Cost sharing is not required but is encouraged. Eligibility is limited to state cooperative institutions and other colleges and universities located within the United States. All applicants must maintain active registration in the federal System for Award Management and demonstrate compliance with eligibility and submission requirements. Institutions may submit multiple applications and may receive more than one award if selected. The program requires significant institutional capacity, including the ability to host international participants, coordinate logistics, and provide mentorship through qualified faculty. The application process requires submission through the USDA ezFedGrants system and includes standard federal forms, a detailed budget and narrative, and a comprehensive project plan. Applicants must outline their proposed research program, describe institutional capabilities, identify mentors, and provide logistical and administrative plans. Applications are evaluated based on expertise, program design, budget quality, and overall completeness. A review panel assesses proposals and makes recommendations for final selection. Key dates for this funding opportunity include a question submission deadline in mid June and a final application deadline in mid August. Awards are expected to be made following a competitive review process, and additional awards may be issued if funding becomes available within six months of initial selections. The program period of performance allows for training programs of up to twelve weeks, with overall implementation extending through September of the following year. Program implementation includes extensive requirements such as participant travel coordination, housing, mentorship, reporting, and follow up activities. Institutions must provide structured training, leadership development, and cultural exchange opportunities while ensuring compliance with federal reporting and administrative standards. The program is not explicitly recurring, and applicants must adhere strictly to submission timelines and eligibility criteria to be considered for funding.

Ensure strong alignment with research topics demonstrate international training experience provide detailed and accurate budget narrative maintain clarity and completeness