Laying Hen and Turkey Research Program

The Laying Hen and Turkey Research Program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the United States Department of Agriculture. The program is authorized under federal agricultural legislation and is designed to support research that strengthens the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of U.S. poultry production systems. The funding opportunity reflects USDA priorities to enhance agricultural efficiency, support domestic food systems, and address challenges faced by producers through scientific innovation. The program emphasizes collaboration and encourages applicants to engage stakeholders such as farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders to ensure that funded research aligns with real world needs. The primary purpose of the program is to fund a single research project that improves the efficiency and sustainability of laying hen and turkey production. Projects must focus specifically on these species and may address priority areas such as disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, nutrition, gut health, and housing systems under extreme weather conditions. These areas are intended to address pressing concerns in poultry production, including animal health, food safety, environmental conditions, and technological advancement. Proposals that demonstrate collaboration across institutions or sectors are encouraged and may receive priority consideration during evaluation. Funding for the program in the fiscal year is approximately four hundred forty thousand one hundred fifteen dollars, with one anticipated award of the same amount. The grant duration may extend up to thirty six months. Awardees must comply with federal funding regulations and may use funds only for approved research purposes. Indirect costs are limited to thirty percent of total federal funds awarded. Additionally, award recipients are required to provide non federal matching funds equal to at least the amount of the grant, although waivers may be granted under specific circumstances such as projects involving minor commodities or broader applicability across agricultural sectors. Eligibility for the program is broad and includes state agricultural experiment stations, colleges and universities, research institutions, federal agencies, private organizations, foundations, corporations, individuals, and collaborative groups consisting of these entities. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants must follow the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Grants Application Guide. Required components include a project summary, a detailed project narrative not exceeding eighteen pages, a data management plan, budget documentation, and other supporting materials. Applicants must ensure all submission requirements are met to avoid disqualification. Applications are evaluated through a two step process consisting of an administrative review followed by a scientific peer review. Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, qualifications of project personnel, adequacy of facilities and project management, relevance to program priorities, and cost effectiveness. Review panels are composed of experts from relevant scientific and agricultural fields, and final funding decisions are made based on merit and available funding. Applicants may receive feedback after the review process, and the agency may negotiate project details prior to award. The application deadline is August 7, 2026 at five pm Eastern Time. There are no required pre application submissions such as letters of intent. Projects must begin within the federal fiscal year of approval, typically by September 30, and should commence as soon as practical thereafter. While the program is offered annually subject to appropriations, future funding cycles may depend on federal budget allocations. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program via email at LHTR at usda dot gov or direct application questions to the designated NIFA support email. This program represents a targeted federal investment in advancing poultry research to improve agricultural outcomes nationwide.

Align proposal with priority areas and demonstrate strong scientific merit, collaboration, and clear methodology