WASHINGTON, D.C.(RFD News) — USDA is opening a $125 million annual funding opportunity to modernize agricultural research facilities that support farmers, ranchers, and food production. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the Research Facilities Act program for fiscal year 2026.
The money will be administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. It is intended for renovation, expansion, and construction projects at eligible agricultural research institutions, including land-grant universities.
USDA says the investment is aimed at deferred maintenance and outdated labs that can slow research on crop production, livestock health, food safety, pests and diseases, technology, and farm profitability.
Applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar non-federal cash match. Funding levels range from $100,000 planning grants to $30 million for large research complexes, specialized labs, and controlled-environment facilities.
Applications are due July 17. The larger farm-level question is how quickly new research capacity translates into field-level tools that producers can use.
