The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded more than $18 million in grants to small businesses for high quality, advanced research and development that will lead to technological innovations and solutions for American agriculture. NIFA awarded 100 grants through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
“Small businesses are adept at finding solutions that can advance agriculture, create new jobs and grow our economy,” says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“These grants will provide resources so small businesses can innovate and create new breakthroughs. The SBIR program has provided hundreds of small businesses with the ability to explore new ideas that have led to cutting- edge solutions to pressing challenges and helped keep American agriculture innovative and strong.”
Support For Research
The SBIR program exists to stimulate technological innovations in the private sector and to strengthen the role of federal research and development in support of small businesses. The program also fosters and encourages participation by women-owned and socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses.
Companies initially apply for Phase I feasibility studies, which may be followed by Phase II research and development projects. Phase I grants are limited to $100,000 and a duration of eight months, while Phase II grants are limited to $450,000 and a duration of 24 months. Approximately 30-40 percent of Phase I projects continue onto Phase II.
In fiscal year 2014, USDA awarded $7,421,711 in Phase I grants and $11,048,055 in Phase II grants. A complete list of fiscal year 2014 SBIR awards is available at http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2014 news/10_20_sbir_grant_descriptions.html.
Since 1983, the SBIR program has awarded more than 2,000 research and development grants to Americanowned, independently operated, forprofit businesses with 500 employees or fewer.
Diverse Funding Sources
NIFA funds and administers the SBIR program, with additional funding provided by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Research Service, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service and U.S. Forest Service.
Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and Extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. More information is at www.nifa.usda.gov.
USDA provided information for this article. Go to www.usda.gov for additional details.