Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture Research
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and organizations seeking funding to conduct foundational and applied research in aquaculture. Eligible applicants typically include universities, colleges, USDA-approved research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state agricultural experiment stations. Research must address critical needs in sustainable aquaculture production, including species diversification, environmental stewardship, disease management, or food safety in farmed fish and shellfish systems. Activities supported include field research, laboratory studies, and technology development that advances the U.S. aquaculture industry's competitiveness and sustainability. The program is open nationwide, with particular emphasis on research that can be scaled and adopted by commercial producers.
This grant is for research institutions and organizations seeking funding to conduct foundational and applied research in aquaculture. Eligible applicants typically include universities, colleges, USDA-approved research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state agricultural experiment stations. Research must address critical needs in sustainable aquaculture production, including species diversification, environmental stewardship, disease management, or food safety in farmed fish and shellfish systems. Activities supported include field research, laboratory studies, and technology development that advances the U.S. aquaculture industry's competitiveness and sustainability. The program is open nationwide, with particular emphasis on research that can be scaled and adopted by commercial producers.
Program description
The purpose of the Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture Research (Assistance Listing Number 10.200) is to support the development of a vibrant, robust, and profitable aquaculture industry in the United States by generating new, science-based information and technology to address industry constraints. Applied research is needed to develop practical solutions that will facilitate growth and remove limitations to expansion of the United States aquaculture industry. Results of projects supported by this program are intended to help improve the profitability of the United States aquaculture industry, reduce the multi-billion-dollar United States seafood trade deficit, increase domestic food security, expand markets for United States-produced products, and provide more jobs for rural and coastal America.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for research institutions and organizations seeking funding to conduct foundational and applied research in aquaculture. Eligible applicants typically include universities, colleges, USDA-approved research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state agricultural experiment stations. Research must address critical needs in sustainable aquaculture production, including species diversification, environmental stewardship, disease management, or food safety in farmed fish and shellfish systems. Activities supported include field research, laboratory studies, and technology development that advances the U.S. aquaculture industry's competitiveness and sustainability. The program is open nationwide, with particular emphasis on research that can be scaled and adopted by commercial producers.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (4-page narrative describing research objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance)
- Current and pending support documentation
- Budget and budget narrative (SF-424A or equivalent)
- Institutional endorsement or letter of support
- Biographical sketches of key personnel
- Letters of commitment from partner organizations (if applicable)
- Data management plan addressing how research data will be preserved and made available
Program contact
- 👤 Joseph Perez Lead Policy Analyst
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 202-445-5402
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.200 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$41,223,360
-
$13,874,400
-
$4,981,494
-
$4,918,877
-
$4,445,856
-
$3,907,838
-
$3,535,194
-
$2,351,830
-
$2,334,089
-
$2,284,747
Top States by Funding
- NC 6 awards $57.6M
- WA 10 awards $12.8M
- WI 3 awards $9.0M
- CO 2 awards $8.4M
- FL 4 awards $5.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.200). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $30,784,019 | |
| 2025 | $27,731,418 | |
| 2026 est. | $4,631,287 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include accredited colleges and universities, state agricultural experiment stations, USDA-approved research institutions, nonprofit organizations engaged in aquaculture research, and other organizations that meet USDA eligibility criteria. Individual researchers should apply through their institution.
What is the typical timeline for the application process?
The application opens May 14, 2026, with a deadline of June 15, 2026. This provides about one month for application preparation. Review and award decisions typically occur 3-6 months after the deadline.
What types of aquaculture research are supported?
This program funds research in sustainable production practices, disease prevention, genetic improvement, water quality management, feed development, market expansion, environmental impacts, and other areas that strengthen the U.S. aquaculture sector.
How competitive is this funding opportunity?
USDA research grants are moderately to highly competitive. Success typically requires strong preliminary data, a well-designed research plan, qualified personnel, and clear relevance to NIFA priorities and the aquaculture industry.
What is the typical funding range?
NIFA research grants typically range from $50,000 to $250,000 per project annually, though amounts vary by program. Check the official CFDA listing for specific maximum award amounts for this cycle.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly connect your research to USDA priorities and demonstrated gaps in aquaculture knowledge or practice. Frame how your work will benefit commercial producers or advance sustainability.
- Include strong preliminary data or evidence of feasibility. NIFA reviewers expect proof that your research approach is sound and your team has relevant expertise.
- Build a diverse, credible research team with complementary skills. Include collaborators from industry or extension if relevant to strengthen your application's real-world impact.
- Address practical outcomes and commercialization pathways. Explain how results will be disseminated and adopted by farmers, hatcheries, or other stakeholders in the aquaculture value chain.
- Review the NIFA evaluation criteria carefully and address each one explicitly in your narrative. Competitive applications directly demonstrate alignment with all stated review criteria.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often lack sufficient preliminary data or fail to demonstrate project feasibility, leading to skepticism about achievability. Many applicants underestimate the importance of commercial relevance and fail to show how findings will benefit actual aquaculture producers. Additionally, weak team qualifications, vague dissemination plans, and misalignment with NIFA strategic priorities are common reasons for rejection.
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