The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new funding round under its Potato Breeding Research Program, making $3.7 million available to support the development and testing of improved potato varieties aimed at enhancing commercial production.

Administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the program targets research initiatives that focus on varietal development using either conventional breeding or biotechnological genetics. The scope of eligible projects includes screening, evaluation, and performance testing directly contributing to the commercialization of new potato cultivars.

Applications are open exclusively to eligible U.S.-based public research entities, including state agricultural experiment stations, land-grant colleges and universities, and affiliated research foundations. Accredited veterinary colleges and institutions receiving funds under the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Program are also eligible to apply.

Funding awards will range between $500,000 and $1.5 million, with no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The USDA estimates that approximately 66% of submitted applications will be funded. The deadline for submission is August 14, 2025, and applicants are encouraged to consult the full Request for Applications (RFA) for exact submission procedures and eligibility criteria.

The program falls under USDA’s broader Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics initiative and aligns with national efforts to strengthen U.S. agricultural competitiveness by enabling the development of resilient, high-performing potato varieties for commercial use.

The USDA’s funding priorities are increasingly aligned with industry needs, including the demand for disease-resistant cultivars, yield optimization, climate adaptability, and market-specific traits. With the potato industry facing pressure to improve sustainability and meet evolving consumer preferences, such grant mechanisms play a vital role in bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical field application.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the USDA’s grant application system. For more information, prospective applicants may contact program official Jessica Shade or email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov for technical support.

The full RFA and application details are accessible via USDA’s NIFA website. Language access and reasonable accommodation services are also available for applicants upon request.