Methyl Bromide Transition Program

The Methyl Bromide Transition program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is a competitive federal grant program authorized under the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to support integrated agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The program addresses the phase-out of methyl bromide, a fumigant historically used for pest control that has been restricted due to its ozone-depleting properties. The initiative aligns with broader USDA priorities focused on agricultural productivity, environmental protection, and innovation in pest management systems. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and implementation of practical, economically viable alternatives to methyl bromide across agricultural production, post-harvest systems, processing facilities, and transportation environments. Projects must address pest management challenges that have arisen due to the reduction or elimination of methyl bromide use, including both pre-harvest and post-harvest scenarios. Applicants are expected to propose integrated pest management strategies that incorporate prevention, monitoring, avoidance, and suppression techniques, and demonstrate effectiveness across multiple production cycles at a commercial or field scale. Funding is intended to support two types of projects: integrated projects combining research and extension, and extension-only projects focused on increasing adoption of existing alternatives. All projects must include a detailed economic analysis assessing the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of proposed alternatives compared to traditional methyl bromide use. Additional required components include large-scale field validation, stakeholder engagement, data management planning, and development of logic models outlining project inputs, outputs, and outcomes. Funds may be used for research activities, extension outreach, field trials, personnel, and related project costs, but indirect costs are capped at 30 percent of total federal funds awarded. Eligibility is limited to colleges and universities, including Hispanic-serving agricultural institutions and 1994 land-grant institutions. While only these entities may apply directly, they are permitted to subcontract with other organizations as needed to complete project activities. A mandatory matching requirement applies, requiring applicants to provide non-federal contributions equal to the federal award amount on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Matching funds may include both cash and in-kind contributions, although waivers may be granted under specific circumstances such as broad applicability of results or work involving minor commodities. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the designated funding opportunity number. Required application components include a project summary, a detailed project narrative not exceeding 18 pages, a data management plan, a logic model, a mentoring plan if applicable, and a detailed budget justification including matching funds. Applicants must also follow strict formatting and submission guidelines outlined in the NIFA Grants Application Guide. The application deadline is June 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent. Applications are evaluated through a two-stage process consisting of administrative screening followed by scientific peer review. Evaluation criteria include technical merit and quality, qualifications of personnel and institutional capacity, and relevance to program priorities. Review panels consist of subject matter experts from academia, industry, and government. Awards are expected to be made to approximately two recipients, with project durations ranging from 24 to 36 months and a maximum award amount of $500,000. Program contacts include a general programmatic email at SM.NIFA.MBT@usda.gov and an application support email at grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov. Applicants are encouraged to engage stakeholders and align proposals with USDA priorities. While the opportunity is issued annually as part of federal funding cycles, applicants should monitor future notices for updated deadlines and funding levels.

Ensure strong economic analysis and cost-benefit justification; demonstrate scalability at commercial field level; integrate research and extension clearly; align with USDA priorities and stakeholder needs