Potato Breeding Research Program

The purpose of this grant program is to support potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) research programs that focus on varietal development and testing and potato varieties for commercial production. As used herein, varietal development and testing is research using conventional breeding and/or biotechnological genetics to develop improved potato varieties. Aspects of evaluation, screening and testing must support variety development.

Applications may only be submitted by state agricultural experiment stations, land-grant colleges and universities, research foundations established by land-grant colleges and universities, colleges and universities receiving funds under the Act of October 10, 1962, as amended (16 USC 582a et seq.), and accredited schools or colleges of veterinary medicine.

Research grant to institutions, no match required. Note up front: individual producers cannot apply — eligibility is limited to state agricultural experiment stations, land-grant colleges and universities and their research foundations, certain forestry institutions, and accredited schools or colleges of veterinary medicine.

For the most recent posted cycle (funding opportunity USDA-NIFA-SRGP-011275, posted July 24, 2025, closed August 14, 2025), NIFA publishes:

• "Range of Awards: $500,000 - $1,500,000"

• "Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No Match Required"

• "Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,703,050"

• "Percent of Applications Funded: 66%"

So realistically two to seven awards per cycle, and roughly two in three applications get funded — unusually good odds for a federal research program.

Project period, payment schedule and reporting terms are set in the NOFO rather than on the program page, and NIFA cautions that "Dates may vary. Please see NOFO for exact details" — so confirm the award range against the current NOFO before budgeting a proposal.

Apply at grants.gov