The SAC supports projects that lead to expanded adaptation and increased acreage in the United States of canola grown for oil and industrial hemp grown for value-added products. This is an integrated research and extension program that will produce results to increase the cost effectiveness and competitiveness of these two crops grown as components of production systems across the country. The SAC supports the breeding, testing, and development of superior performing canola and industrial hemp varieties and production practices that result in improved cost efficiencies, reduced grower risks, and wider use in production systems. Research results and technology developed are expected to be rapidly transferred to producers and other users through effective extension outreach and other engagement efforts. The total funding amount available is approximately $938,000.
The purpose of this integrated research and extension program is to adapt these multiple-purpose crops to diverse growing regions in the United States, so that domestic canola oil and industrial hemp production can be significantly increased and be profitable nationwide. Such efforts require strategically designed, region-based research approaches and effective communication of useful information and transfer of technologies to users as rapidly as possible. SAC supports research and Extension in conventional and organic production systems.
Deadline: April 27, 2023
NIFA is soliciting applications for the FY 2022 SAC under the following two areas:
A. Canola:
1. Testing germplasm and breeding to develop superior performing canola varieties that increase productivity, profitability, and adaptation to an expanded range of U.S. growing environments;
2. Conducting fundamental and applied research and extension activities to develop innovative planting, cultivating, harvesting methods for use in production systems that include superior performing canola varieties to improve input cost efficiencies and reduce producer and other supply chain participant risks;
3. Conducting fundamental and applied research and extension activities to develop canola production practices that enhance the use of canola as a pollinator friendly crop.
B. Industrial Hemp:
1. Fundamental and applied research to develop production systems for hemp grown for grain or fiber with a THC content of 0.3% or less, including cultivar evaluation and development, plant spacing and harvesting techniques.
2. Economic research and extension that lead to expanded development of markets for industrial hemp grown for grain or fiber, including the current size of the markets, the potential for market increases, prices that can be expected by growers, and potential bottlenecks in the supply chain.
Colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of NARETPA, 7 U.S.C. 3103), other Federal agencies, and private sector entities are eligible to submit applications. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Applicants for SAC must meet one of the requirements listed above. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from review or, if reviewed, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.
Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – Submission of duplicate or predominantly overlapping applications is not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits multiple applications that are duplicative or substantially overlapping to NIFA programs within the same fiscal year.