Plant Protection Act Section 7721 Fiscal Year 2027 National Clean Plant Network (NCPN)

The National Clean Plant Network funding opportunity is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service within its Plant Protection and Quarantine program. This initiative is authorized under Section 7721 of the Plant Protection Act and supports a coordinated national system of Clean Plant Centers. These centers are responsible for providing diagnostic services, eliminating pathogens, and maintaining pathogen-tested plant material for specialty crops. The program is designed to protect the agricultural economy and environment by ensuring that propagative plant materials distributed throughout the United States are free of targeted pests and diseases. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to strengthen and expand the National Clean Plant Network by supporting projects that align with its strategic goals. These goals include optimizing the production, maintenance, and distribution of clean plant material; advancing innovative technologies and practices; and improving overall network efficiency. Projects are expected to contribute to the availability of high quality, pathogen free plant materials for growers, nurseries, and certification programs, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of United States specialty crop industries. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements for non federal entities and interagency agreements for federal participants. The program anticipates distributing at least ten million dollars in total funding and expects to support between eighteen and twenty five projects, depending on scope and available resources. The performance period is generally up to twelve months, beginning between May and September of the fiscal year following the application deadline. While cost sharing is not required, applicants may voluntarily include matching contributions, which become binding if accepted. Eligible applicants include land grant universities, non land grant colleges of agriculture, state departments of agriculture, federal and state agencies, and nonprofit organizations. All proposals must meet threshold eligibility requirements, including alignment with the National Clean Plant Network strategic plan and focus on specialty crops as defined by federal law. Applicants must also submit complete application packages that include a work plan, financial plan, and documentation of pre proposal coordination where required. Proposals must demonstrate coordination with relevant crop governing bodies when applicable, especially for projects focused on production and distribution. The application process requires submission via email by the stated deadline, with all materials prepared according to specified templates and formatting guidelines. Required components include a detailed work plan outlining project objectives and implementation, a financial plan demonstrating reasonable and allowable costs, and documentation of stakeholder coordination. Applications are evaluated based on overall merit, alignment with program goals, stakeholder engagement, and coordination across the network. Additional consideration is given to applicants demonstrating diversified funding strategies and strong project impact. Funding restrictions prohibit the use of funds for certain costs such as construction, land acquisition, vehicle purchases, and compensation for federal employees. Indirect costs are capped at fifteen percent of the total award or the negotiated indirect cost rate, whichever is lower. All funded projects must comply with federal regulations, including cost principles under 2 CFR Part 200, and are subject to reporting and performance monitoring requirements throughout the project period. Applications are due by October 19, 2026, and must be submitted electronically to the designated program email address. Funding decisions are expected to be announced in February 2027, with project implementation beginning later that year. The program is issued on an annual basis as part of ongoing federal agricultural support efforts, and applicants are encouraged to monitor future cycles and maintain readiness for subsequent funding opportunities. For additional information or technical assistance, applicants may contact the program directly via the provided email address.

Ensure strong alignment with NCPN strategic goals demonstrate stakeholder coordination and provide clear measurable project outcomes