Methyl Bromide Transition Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for agricultural producers and researchers transitioning away from methyl bromide (a fumigant being phased out under the Montreal Protocol). Eligible applicants typically include farmers, growers, agricultural research institutions, and state/regional agricultural organizations. The program supports activities in all U.S. states and territories where methyl bromide is used in food production, horticulture, or greenhouse operations. Funding supports research, pilot projects, demonstration activities, and implementation of alternative pest management practices that replace methyl bromide use while maintaining crop productivity and profitability.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for agricultural producers and researchers transitioning away from methyl bromide (a fumigant being phased out under the Montreal Protocol). Eligible applicants typically include farmers, growers, agricultural research institutions, and state/regional agricultural organizations. The program supports activities in all U.S. states and territories where methyl bromide is used in food production, horticulture, or greenhouse operations. Funding supports research, pilot projects, demonstration activities, and implementation of alternative pest management practices that replace methyl bromide use while maintaining crop productivity and profitability.
Program description
The primary goal and objective of the Methyl Bromide Transition program is to support the discovery and implementation of practical pest management alternatives to methyl bromide. The MBT program seeks to solve pest problems in key agricultural production and post-harvest management systems, processing facilities, and transport systems for which methyl bromide has been withdrawn or withdrawal is imminent.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for agricultural producers and researchers transitioning away from methyl bromide (a fumigant being phased out under the Montreal Protocol). Eligible applicants typically include farmers, growers, agricultural research institutions, and state/regional agricultural organizations. The program supports activities in all U.S. states and territories where methyl bromide is used in food production, horticulture, or greenhouse operations. Funding supports research, pilot projects, demonstration activities, and implementation of alternative pest management practices that replace methyl bromide use while maintaining crop productivity and profitability.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (if required by NIFA)
- Project narrative (typically 10-15 pages) describing goals, methods, and dissemination plans
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support from collaborators, growers, or industry partners
- Curriculum vitae or biographical sketch of key personnel
- Institutional authorizations and certifications
- Data management plan (increasingly common for NIFA grants)
- Conflict of interest disclosures
Program contact
- 👤 Heidi Z Vanegas Grantor
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 7012700318
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.303 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$3,500,000
-
$3,500,000
-
$3,499,999
-
$3,499,991
-
$3,493,549
-
$3,300,000
-
$2,857,283
-
$2,000,000
-
$1,999,997
-
$1,999,958
Top States by Funding
- PA 15 awards $11.6M
- TN 7 awards $8.7M
- IN 7 awards $7.5M
- FL 5 awards $5.4M
- SC 6 awards $5.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.303). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $11,213,184 | |
| 2025 | $11,006,430 | |
| 2026 est. | $7,918,012 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the Methyl Bromide Transition Program?
Agricultural producers, universities, research institutions, state departments of agriculture, and nonprofits working in agriculture can apply. Applicants must be developing or implementing alternatives to methyl bromide use in U.S. food production.
What types of projects does this grant fund?
The program funds research, pilot demonstrations, technology testing, and on-farm trials of alternative fumigants and pest management practices. Projects may also include farmer training and dissemination of transition methods.
What is the typical funding range?
While specific amounts vary by competition year, NIFA grants typically range from $50,000 to $200,000 per project, though this can vary significantly depending on project scope and available funds.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 29, 2026, with applications opening April 27, 2026. You have approximately two months to prepare and submit your application.
How competitive is this grant?
NIFA grants are moderately to highly competitive. Successful applications typically demonstrate clear scientific merit, feasibility, stakeholder engagement, and relevance to the methyl bromide phase-out timeline.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by clearly articulating the methyl bromide problem in your operation or region, including current usage levels and regulatory drivers for transition.
- Develop a specific, measurable alternative approach (new fumigant, integrated pest management, resistant varieties, etc.) with realistic timelines and expected outcomes.
- Include letters of support from growers, industry partners, or commodity groups to demonstrate stakeholder buy-in and adoption potential.
- Budget for both research/demonstration costs and dissemination activities so your findings reach other producers facing the same transition challenge.
- Align your project with USDA priorities around sustainability and regulatory compliance, emphasizing how your work supports the broader agricultural community's methyl bromide phase-out.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they focus narrowly on research without demonstrating feasibility for real-world farm adoption or don't clearly connect their work to the regulatory methyl bromide phase-out timeline. Another common issue is underestimating the importance of stakeholder engagement and outreach—reviewers want evidence that growers and industry will actually use the alternative methods being developed. Additionally, weak budgets that don't adequately support both research and dissemination activities can signal lack of implementation experience.
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