Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Featured Post

  • Hazelnut Growers Achieve First-Ever 100,000+ Ton Crop

    For the first time in the 100-plus year history of the United States commercial hazelnut industry, farmers harvested more than 100,000 tons of hazelnuts in 2025. Preliminary totals estimate the yield to be more than 121,000 tons—a massive increase from the 96,000 tons harvested in 2024. Final harvest numbers are expected later this spring. Prior to 2020, the peak U.S. hazelnut harvest was 51,000 tons in 2018.

    Much of the sharp rise in production is due to the orchard planting boom of the 2010s. From 2010-2019, hazelnut acreage in Oregon climbed from approximately 29,000 acres to approximately 81,000 acres. This acreage has since stabilized at around 96,800 acres. New, better-yielding hazelnut cultivars, advancements in farming technology and growing global demand for hazelnuts all contributed to an influx in new plantings throughout Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Escalating production soon followed the expansion in acres. Oregon is home to 99% of U.S. hazelnut orchards, with farms in Washington contributing to make the Pacific Northwest the epicenter of country’s hazelnut production.

    Hazelnut trees typically take four to five years to produce enough kernels to harvest; they continue to
    produce more nuts as they mature to 10-12 years old. At full maturity, it is now common for an acre of hazelnut trees to produce 3,000 pounds or more of hazelnuts. With thousands of acres of trees planted in the 2010s now reaching this stage, production is anticipated to rise precipitously over the next several
    years.

    About the Hazelnut Marketing Board

    Nestled between the grandeur of the Cascade Mountains and the scenic Pacific Ocean lies the Willamette Valley — one of the world’s premiere agricultural regions. Over 99% of American hazelnuts are grown in this fertile valley. The rare combination of volcanic soils, moderate temperature and ample precipitation makes this the optimal region for hazelnut orchards. These thriving groves yield hazelnuts renowned globally for their unparalleled size, consistent quality and distinct flavor. U.S. hazelnuts boast a robust, buttery smooth flavor and are the ideal accent for exquisite entrees or delicious desserts. They are also great by themselves as a healthy and flavorful snack. U.S. hazelnuts come in many forms–including kernels, meal, flour, sliced, diced, paste and oil–making them easy to eat and use.

  • 10 Tips for Marketing in India

    Sumit Saran of SS Associates — American Pistachio Growers’ liaison in India — shared insights on how to market successfully in India at APG’s recent annual conference.  He pointed out that “India is not easy – it’s very diverse economically and culturally.”

    For instance, on the left side of a money bill, the amount is written in 14 languages.  Most Indians cannot read more than two of them.

    Besides cultural diversity, India has economic and marketing diversity — from traditional street markets to upscale, modern grocery stores. The rich and poor co-exist. Saran described that “India has no artificial corridors of existence. Both poverty and wealth are everywhere.”

    What unites India is a common aspiration for better health, nutrition and education, to create a better tomorrow. To achieve that, Indians are open to change, as shown in their recent transition to smaller family sizes.

    So far, though, India still has a young population.  About 60% of its people are under age 35, compared to only 34% in that range in the U.S.  The total population is 1.4 billion. Together, Indians have a strong economy that is resilient to global turmoil. People are highly connected and willing to spend, so new products can gain popularity due to a ripple effect even without promotions. In spite of some anti-import voices, imported foods have gone from niche to mainstream.

    Retail is also changing rapidly, especially the addition of “quick commerce” in which products arrive by motorcycle within 10 minutes of ordering.  Already underway in 300 cities, this year 55,000 metric tons were sold this way.  Saran was pleased to see that when he ordered coffee and pistachios by quick commerce, the pistachios arrived first.   

    Saran provided 10 simple mantras for discovering the pot of gold in India:

    • Troubles will not go away, so accept them.
    • India is on the move.  A new product may be slow to start but become unstoppable.
    • There is always room in India.
    • Indians are not necessarily price conscious, but they are value conscious — perfect for pistachios.
    • Define your niche in India and then target it.
    • Establish partnerships.
    • Don’t let one bad experience ruin the whole bunch.
    • It’s not just about the investment — it’s about involvement.
    • Have a long-term plan.  Remember that bamboo stays at four inches in height for four years, but in its fifth year it grows six feet per day.
    • Myths and realities are different.  “Indians are bad payers” — false.  “The cold chain is lacking” — false.  “Retail is lacking” — false.  “It’s too far away” — false; it is just an overnight plane ride.  “It’s too hot and the traffic is bad” — this is true.

    Pistachio marketing has a big boost from India’s top cricket player, Jasprit Bumrah, who is promoting pistachios to his 20 million social media followers as well as on signs and on TV.  He exemplifies the India that is young and interested in premium nutrition.

    Saran surmised, “The demand is rising — we can create something lasting.”   — By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor

    Star cricket player Jasprit Bumrah is promoting pistachios in India. Photo contributed by SS Associates

  • Growers Experience ‘Early and Fast’ Almond Bloom

    The 2026 post-bloom period has been typified by a lack of precipitation and summer-like temperatures throughout California’s central valley. Readings have run 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms, making the final days of winter feel more like summer. Daily maximum temperatures rose dramatically from the upper 70’s at the start of the period, reaching into the upper 80‘s and mid 90’s, setting new records on several days. Morning lows followed the trend set by the daily maximum values, rising from the low 40’s to upper 50’s and lower 60’s before settling back into mid-50’s by the end of the month.

    The 2026 bloom presented growers with several challenges and several contradictions. The bloom is best characterized as “early and fast.” While the winter months provided just enough hours below 45 degrees to support dormancy, the chilling was by no means “deep chilling”. This is best demonstrated by the fact that there were no frosty mornings until the first week of January in nearly all areas of the central valley. Elevated temperatures during the bloom pushed flower development at a very high pace and inclement weather eliminated bee activity within the orchards for five days during the peak of bloom. Considering the bloom by itself, it is hard to imagine a crop larger than what was produced in 2025, and growers are reporting quite a bit of variation in their apparent crop loads.

    While the bloom had its share of issues, post-bloom conditions have been very supportive of the developing crop. In fact, some would say too supportive. Bright sunshine provides excellent support for photosynthesis and carbohydrate production. But temperatures running 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms also increases respiration, consuming carbohydrates and increasing the potential for stress. Some have noted that many orchards transitioned from the white of bloom to green foliage without passing through the “dirty” stage that describes the period when petals have fallen, prior to the leaves emerging. Taken by itself, this would normally be interpreted as having a poor crop set, as nutrients flow to push leaves, rather being consumed by the developing crop.

    While all of this is “fun” to talk about, the final determination of each of these impacts remains to be seen. What we know today is that the “first shed,” those flowers that failed to be fertilized have been already been cast to the ground or are about to fall in the case of the late blooming Butte and Padre. And the processes that precede the “second shed,” where nuts that the trees are unable to carry to maturity are sequestered from the flow of nutrients is well underway, with advanced examples already shedding nuts to the ground. Both of these normal processes are running approximately two weeks ahead of normal, driven by the elevated temperatures.

    As previously noted, growers have been working diligently to keep up with their orchard’s needs, irrigating, fertilizing, and managing vegetation within the orchards. Growers have been injecting liquid fertilizer materials into the irrigation water, the most efficient means of providing nutrients for the developing crop. Growers have also been terminating cover crops or native vegetation within the “middles,” the area between the tree rows to reduce water consumption.

    As for pest management, the elevated temperatures have also pushed insect development, and the typical complement of insect pests are running approximately two weeks ahead of normal. Growers and Pest Control Advisors, PCA’s, have noted finding several important plant bug species, Leaf-Footed Plant Bugs and Stink Bugs species in orchards in all growing regions. Box Elder Bugs have also been reported in San Joaquin County. Early season feeding by plant bugs kills the nuts, causing them to drop from the tree, while feeding after kernel hardening results in “Brown Spot,” rendering the nut inedible. Within the past week, Navel Orangeworm adult moths have also been caught in pheromone traps placed in the orchards to monitor their presence. Now that Navel Orangeworm has begun emerging from their over-wintering sites in the mummy nuts remaining in the trees, growers have begun hanging devices for designed to disrupt mating and reduce the population of insects remaining in the orchards.

    Most growers have made at least one post-bloom treatment to prevent infection by Red Leaf Blotch. This is a new invasive fungal organism that has spread from a single orchard in Merced County in 2024 to most of the central valley by 2025. Treatments must be made prior to infection, and the organism takes approximately 40 days for symptoms to express following infection. Many orchards experienced severe infections in 2025 which caused significant levels of defoliation. University researchers have noted that two post-bloom treatments are required for adequate protection. Weather forecasters are predicting cooler conditions and a chance of rainfall over the first week of April, which researchers have shown will increase the risk of infection.

    Over the coming weeks, irrigation and fertility will be focal points of grower activity. Growers and their PCA’s will also be monitoring plant bug populations as they work to protect the crop ahead of the harvest. — By Mel Machado, Chief Agricultural Officer, Blue Diamond Growers

  • U.S. Participants for Philippines Trade Mission Selected

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a trade mission to Manila, Philippines, from April 13–16, 2026, to expand market access for American farmers, ranchers, and producers.

    This mission follows a landmark trade agreement negotiated by President Trump in July of last year, which opened new opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports to the Philippines. Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering will lead the mission, heading a delegation of 58 U.S. agribusinesses, trade associations, and representatives from four State departments of agriculture.

    “USDA is committed to getting American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses better access to strong markets and fair opportunities abroad,” said Deputy Undersecretary Bekkering. “Since the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia, this mission will connect U.S. exporters directly with reliable buyers, strengthen our trade relationship, and help keep American agriculture globally competitive.”

    The Philippines is the tenth‑largest market for U.S. agricultural and food products, averaging $3.4 billion in annual exports over the past five years. With a population of 118 million, a rapidly expanding middle class, and strong consumer preference for U.S. products, the Philippines offers enormous growth potential for American exporters.

    During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will host market briefings, site visits, and business-to-business meetings with buyers from the Philippines.

    State departments of agriculture from Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin will join the mission alongside the 58 agribusinesses and trade associations, which include:

    1. 7th Sky Ventures LLC – Tampa, Fla.
    2. Aerocos International Ltd – Marlboro, N.J.
    3. American Egg Board – Chicago, Ill.
    4. American Peanut Council – Alexandria, Va.
    5. Best Buy Grocers, Inc. – Sherman Oaks, Calif.
    6. BNutty, Peanut Butter – Portage, Ind.
    7. California Milk Advisory Board – Tracy, Calif.   
    8. California Table Grape Commission – Fresno, Calif.
    9. CAS InterGlobal – Pleasanton, Calif.
    10. Commercial Creamery Company – Spokane, Wash.
    11. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin – Madison, Wis.
    12. Dragonfly Cakes – Tacoma, Wash.
    13. East-West International Group, Inc –   Moreland Hills, Ohio.
    14. Foodlinx – Brentwood, Calif.
    15. Fort McCoy Meat, LLC – Fort McCoy, Fla.
    16. Galdisa USA – Conroe, Texas
    17. Global Export Marketing Co. Ltd. (GEMCO) – New York, N.Y.
    18. Globex International – New York, N.Y.
    19. Groceries USA – New York, N.Y.
    20. Grove Services – Atlanta, Ga.
    21. Indiana Corn Marketing Council – Indianapolis, Ind.
    22. International Market Brands – Issaquah, Wash.
    23. Intervision Foods – Atlanta, Ga.
    24. Jack’s Alimentary Supply, Inc. (JASI) – Lowell, Mass.
    25. Kizable, LLC – Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
    26. MacDonald Meat – Seattle, Wash.
    27. MEM Fairway Inc. – Irvine, Calif.
    28. Nebraska Corn Board – Lincoln, Neb.
    29. North American Export Grain Association – Washington, D.C.
    30. Ocean Gold Seafoods – Westport, Wash.
    31. Pacific Cheese Co., Inc. – Hayward, Calif.
    32. PacRim Wines & Spirits – San Rafael, Calif.
    33. Potatoes USA – Denver, Colo.
    34. Prime Pecan, LLC – Ocean Springs, Miss.
    35. Raisin Administrative Committee – Fresno, Calif.
    36. Scout & Zoe’s – Anderson, Ind.
    37. Sollarom Foods – Lakewood, Calif.
    38. Southern Forest Products Association – Metairie, La.
    39. Space Enterprises LLC – The Woodlands, Texas
    40. TAG Enterprise Ltd. – Beverly Hills, Calif.
    41. Tomex Foods Group – Lombard, Ill.
    42. Tranect LLC – Boston, Mass.
    43. Trinity Foods, Inc – San Diego, Calif.
    44. U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.
    45. U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council – Washington, D.C.
    46. U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council – Folson, Calif.
    47. U.S. International Foods LLC – St. Louis, Mo.
    48. U.S. Livestock Genetics Export – Mount Horeb, Wis.
    49. U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.
    50. U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.
    51. U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.
    52. United Dairy Ingredients Group LLC – Monterey Park, Calif.
    53. US Rice Producers Association – Katy, Texas   
    54. USA Poultry and Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.
    55. USA Pulses – Moscow, Idaho
    56. Valley Pride Ag Co. – Fresno, Calif.
    57. Virginia Distillery Co. – Lovingston, Va.
    58. Wonderful Citrus – Delano, Calif.

    In 2025, USDA trade missions connected more than 200 U.S. companies with buyers in Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan and Mexico, generating projected 12‑month sales of $125 million. USDA will continue expanding export opportunities in 2026 with upcoming missions planned for Australia and Vietnam.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. — By USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • Smarter, Science-Based Nutrition to Optimize Your Yield and Quality

    –Sponsored Content–

    Thanks to the Haber-Bosch process and the Green Revolution, the fertilizer industry has been a boon to growers for decades, with dramatic yield spikes.

    While largely positive, the drawbacks are coming into greater focus every growing season.

    Traditional salt-based fertilizers have long been the standard for a reason. They have a history of boosting production to extraordinary levels. New scientific understandings indicate they have some drawbacks and, by themselves, they are unlikely to continue to boost yield. Used alone, they can lack efficiency, which ramps up costs to growers. The philosophy has been to over apply fertilizers to compensate for this inherent inefficiency.  Also noteworthy is the impact excess applied fertilizer use has on grower profitability and environmental impacts. Agronomically, salt-based fertilizers can be toxic to plant roots, soil biology, cause charge imbalances and create an overall drag on soil and crop productivity. They also suppress the natural biological systems that have evolved to support productive plant and soil interaction. Not to mention the volatility of the cost of these commodity fertilizers.

    Just like modernization of farm equipment, scientific breakthroughs are paving the way for better crop nutrition , signaling across the board wins. This new generation of inputs have an impressive and growing resume, delivering greater yield and quality, as well as kinder approach to environmental issues such as nitrate runoff into groundwater.

    The fertilizer industry is past due for technological progress to offer growers products that work for their needs and reduce waste and cost.  The good news is there is new technology that is much more compatible with the plant and soil system now available.

    Redox Bio-Nutrients is a leader in providing superior, plant synergistic forms of crop nutrition that work with the natural systems to support optimal plant nutrition, plant health and ultimately crop quality and productivity.  What’s the secret?  Redox incorporates redox active carbon compounds that are selected for specific plant benefits.  By incorporating these redox active materials (RAM) with crop nutrition, Redox products are optimized to complement natural soil and plant health systems leading to efficient nutrition, reduced stress and overall healthier, more productive cropping systems.

    All fertilizer carries a charge, either positive or negative. Redox active molecules help give or accept charge, to allow the plant to remain in balance. When charge balance is achieved, plants will deliver their best yield and quality. Unbalanced plants will waste valuable energy to try to get into balance.

    “We need to stop talking about applied pounds per acre and start talking about metabolized pounds per acre,” remarked Redox Founder and CEO Darin Moon. “That’s a totally different and more appropriate conversation to meet today’s needs for growers and our environment.”

    RDX-N® is a breakthrough nitrogen optimization product. More than a decade of research, field trials and now commercial use confirm the power of this plant-active botanical extract biostimulant.  RDX-N is designed to elevate nitrogen use efficiency from within the plant itself, with up to 50 percent optimization, meaning can do more with less and save handily through using more appropriate levels of nitrogen.

    RDX-N is the latest in a long line of Redox products that have shown the same benefits while incorporating other nutrients like, P,K, Calcium, and others.  Redox is a second-generation, family owned and operated company based in Burley, Idaho.

    RDX-N

    REDEFINING NITROGEN MANAGEMENT.

    What Your Crops Deserve.

    One-of-a-kind. Patented. Proven. Unlock every ounce of nitrogen. Representing a breakthrough approach, RDX-N is the first and only biostimulant of its kind. It is not a microbe and not a chemical delay—it’s a blend of plant-active botanical extracts designed to elevate nitrogen use efficiency from within the plant itself by enhancing that plant’s natural metabolism. Unlike any other nitrogen product, it works smarter by activating metabolic pathways that support sufficient nitrogen uptake, assimilation, and utilization all season long.

    What is RDX-N?

    It is plant-active botanical extracts that naturally help your crop use nitrogen more efficiently.

    It works with plants’ natural signaling processes to adapt to stress.

    It supports consistent season-long nitrogen metabolism.

    It allows you to apply less synthetic nitrogen without giving up performance, helping you save money without changing your program.

    What is RDX-N not?

    ·      Not a nitrogen stabilizer.

    ·      Not a nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

    ·      Not a biological.

    Why Growers Choose RDX-N:

    ·      Improves nitrogen optimization by 50%.

    ·      Limits nitrate toxicity, leeching, and volatilization.

    ·      Improves crop quality by reducing oxidative stress caused by nitrates.

    ·      Improves logistics with fewer trips to the field and fewer tank refills.

    ·      Easy to use, fits into your current fertility plan.

    ·      Shelf stable, with a 3-year product guarantee.

    Suggested Rate:

    Soil: Apply 1 pt – 1 qt/acre, per application, with existing liquid nitrogen program.

    If Applying Without Nitrogen: Apply 1 pt – 2 qts/acre, and dilute RDX-N in at least 5 gallon solution per/acre.

    *RDX-N should not be applied at the same time as anhydrous ammonia. Apply as a separate treatment – it delivers the same level of efficacy as other nitrogen sources. Visit with your sales agronomist to best determine what your precise needs are.

  • Pistachio Demand Skyrockets in India

    Demand for pistachios is so high in India that American growers are having a hard time keeping up. This is facilitated in part by the viral rise of Dubai chocolate, while a new trade agreement with the United States could unlock new opportunities. At the annual American Pistachio Growers Conference, Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network spoke with APG India In-Market Representative Sumit Saran to go over these developments. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Kingman Ag for their industry support.

  • Scholarship Luncheon Honors 28 FFA High School Seniors

    A record 28 senior high school students each received an award of $1,000 – $3,500 out of a total $59,000 — the most the Chamber has ever distributed in one year. Over the years, they have given out a cumulative $547,000.

    “This represents not just financial support, but a vote of confidence from your community,” remarked past recipient Gianna Gonzalez to the awardees at the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ag Scholarship Committee’s 26th Annual Scholarship Luncheon on March 17.

    The recipients stepped to the microphone, smiled and shared the college they plan to attend and their career goal. The career areas included equine dentistry, ag law, ag education, farming, cooperative extension, ag engineering, viticulture and enology, rangeland resource management, ag business, veterinary service, ag communication and policy, pest control advising and soil science.

    The Hughson Future Farmers of America (FFA) decorated the tables at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Hall with custom wood planter boxes filled with miniature pansies. Silver Hershey kisses and snack packs of Blue Diamond almonds dotted the tables as well. Farm Truck Catering served a grilled chicken lunch.

    The event was possible due to support by Garton Tractor and Lander Veterinary Clinic, along with Platinum Sponsors Manulife Investment Management and Stanislaus Food Products and Gold Sponsors InsureCAL and Yosemite Farm Credit.

    A total of 30 silver and bronze sponsors and five in-kind donors filled out the sponsor list, and many volunteers — including the students — pitched in to set up and clean up.    — By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor

  • New Pesticides Could Better Control Mite Disease in Honey Bees

    The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a parasite of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) and is considered one of the species’ most serious threats, inflicting more damage and higher economic costs than all other bee keeping diseases. Varroa mites harbor numerous viruses and feed on honey bee adults and pupae, causing weakened immune systems, decreased body weight, and a shortened lifespan. The external wounds caused by repeated feeding can become infected with bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

    ARS researchers at the Bee Research Lab tested numerous pesticides for the chemical control of Varroa mites, and screened 40 compounds of samples in the lab (and three in the field). They documented how the viruses, carried by the mites, move within honey bee colonies and play key roles in bee-to-bee transmission. Through this research, two promising miticides were identified to manage the Varroa mite. This ARS research could lead to new management techniques that can minimize bee losses, reduce bee keeper and crop pollination costs, and ensure food security for all Americans. —By USDA Ag Research Service

  • Opportunity to Respond to Petitions for Reconsideration of Water Quality Certification for McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project

    On March 13, 2026, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) issued a Notice of Opportunity to Respond to Petitions for Reconsideration of Water Quality Certification for McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project (Notice).

    The Notice includes information to access copies of the petition for reconsideration and associated documents.  Any party or person wishing to file a response to the petition with the State Water Board must do so by 4:00 PM on April 3, 2026, as directed in the Notice.

    The Notice and water quality certification are available on the State Water Board’s McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project webpage at:

    https://waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/water_quality_cert/mccloudpit_ferc2106.html

    If you have questions regarding the Notice, please contact Savannah Downey by email at Savannah.Downey@waterboards.ca.gov.

    To receive emails related to the Notice and other projects pursuing certifications managed by the State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights, interested persons should enroll in the “Water Rights Water Quality Certification” email notification service.  Instructions on how to sign up for the State Water Board’s email notification service are outlined below:

    1. Visit: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/email_subscriptions/swrcb_subscribe.shtml#rights
    2. Provide your email in the required field, then click the “Submit” button.
    3. In the next page, below Subscription Topics, select “Water Rights”, then “Water Rights Water Quality Certification.”
    4. Click the “Submit” button.
    5. An email will be sent to you. You must respond to the email message to confirm your membership on the selected Subscription Topic(s).

    By enrolling in this email notification service, you will receive notices for other current projects overseen by the Division of Water Rights’ Water Quality Certification Program.  You can enroll or un-enroll from the email subscription service at any time. — By the CWB State Water Resources Control Board

  • USDA NIFA Launches Grants Opportunity to Combat Emerging Ag Threats

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announces the launch of a new competitive grants program aimed at rapidly addressing emerging and re-emerging pest and disease threats across the nation’s food and agricultural systems.

    The grants program, Rapid Response to Emerging and Re-emerging Pest and Disease Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems, is designed to deploy timely, science-based solutions to protect agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and food security.

    “Invasive and emerging pests and diseases can devastate crops, livestock, and ecosystems, disrupt supply chains and threaten food security,” said NIFA Director Dr. Jaye Hamby. “This program empowers researchers and Extension professionals to act quickly, delivering practical solutions that safeguard our agricultural communities and the nation’s food supply.”

    This program is part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), designed to improve plant and animal production and sustainability, and human and environmental health. AFRI is the nation’s leading and largest competitive grants program for agricultural sciences. These grants are available to eligible colleges, universities, and other research organizations.   

    With a maximum award of $500,000 and a grant duration of 12 to 24 months, the program supports grants for research, Extension, or integrated projects. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, within 180 days of a qualifying pest or disease event, ensuring swift mobilization of resources when threats arise.

    Applications must directly address the effects associated with the emergence or re-emergence within the last 180 days of pests and/or disease in animal and/or plant production systems or within the food supply, and one or more of the following emphasis areas: One Health, plant and animal health, and ecosystem health.

    Funded projects will focus on applied research and Extension and outreach activities that generate actionable knowledge and tools. These may include:

    • Rapid understanding of pest/pathogen ecology, epidemiology, and immunology.
    • Development and validation of diagnostics, vaccines, and control methods.
    • Communication strategies, training programs, and best practices for mitigation.
    • Technologies and protocols for detection, management, and prevention.

    To ensure impact, projects must implement or develop at least one deliverable within six months of award receipt, with all activities completed within the grant period. Proposals are encouraged to integrate biological and social sciences, engage public-private partnerships, and support small- and medium-sized farms and ranches.

    “This program reflects USDA’s commitment to proactive, science-driven responses to agricultural threats,” Hamby said. “By supporting rapid innovation and collaboration, we’re helping communities stay resilient in the face of evolving challenges.”

    The program also welcomes proposals that address ecosystem health, including strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of pests and diseases affecting plants, animals, and pollinators. Projects that incorporate community development, youth development, and 4-H are also eligible, provided they align with the program’s emphasis areas.

    Applicants are encouraged to coordinate efforts across institutions and regions, and to contact program staff at afri-rapidresponse@usda.gov with questions regarding project fit. While this program is designed for short-term, rapid response efforts, longer-term projects may be better suited for other AFRI program area priorities such as Agricultural Biosecurity, Diseases of Agricultural Animals, or Food Safety and Defense.

    For more information, visit nifa.usda.gov or email afri-rapidresponse@usda.gov. — By the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture