NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health (U54)

The NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health opportunity is a federal funding initiative administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health mission to improve workplace safety and health conditions across high risk industries. The Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing sector plays a critical role in supporting the national economy and food systems, yet workers in this sector face some of the highest rates of occupational fatalities, injuries, and mental health challenges. This funding opportunity is designed to address these risks through coordinated research, education, and outreach activities conducted by regional centers. The purpose of this program is to establish and support up to twelve regional Centers that focus on advancing occupational safety and health for workers in agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries. These centers are expected to conduct multidisciplinary research with an emphasis on intervention and implementation science. The program encourages the translation of research findings into practical solutions that can be adopted in real world settings. In addition, funded centers will develop and evaluate technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, to reduce hazards and improve outcomes for workers in these industries. Funding under this cooperative agreement will support a broad range of allowable activities including research, training, education, and outreach initiatives. Centers are expected to engage with regional and national partners, including academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and community organizations. They must also integrate approaches such as food systems thinking and One Health frameworks into their work. Another important component is improving the collection and coordination of data related to injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the target sectors. The funding structure allows for significant investment per center, supporting sustained and impactful efforts over the project period. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of entity types such as state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, nonprofit organizations with and without 501c3 status, institutions of higher education, small businesses, and other for profit organizations. However, eligibility is restricted to domestic applicants, as non U.S. entities and foreign components of U.S. organizations are not permitted to apply. This ensures that funding is focused on improving occupational health outcomes within the United States. The application process is expected to require electronic submission through Grants.gov by the specified deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants should anticipate preparing comprehensive proposals that outline research plans, partnership strategies, and implementation approaches. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on scientific merit, feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with NIOSH priorities. Applicants may also need to demonstrate capacity for collaboration and regional influence. The timeline for this opportunity indicates that it is currently in a forecast stage, with an estimated posting date in early December and an application deadline in early March of the following year. Awards are expected to be announced by August, with project start dates beginning in September. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which may broaden accessibility for eligible applicants. A designated scientific program official is available for inquiries, providing a point of contact for prospective applicants seeking clarification or guidance. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant federal investment in improving the safety, health, and well being of workers in critical industries. By supporting regional centers with strong research and outreach capabilities, the program aims to produce meaningful and lasting improvements in occupational health outcomes across the United States.

Focus on multidisciplinary research strong partnerships and practical implementation of findings to improve worker safety and health