2024 Scientific Exchange Program – Women in Sustainable Food Systems

Background
The Scientific Exchange Program (SEP) leverages the latest developments in cross-cutting agricultural priorities, research, and technologies to educate a new generation of agricultural scientist to promote trade, trade policy, trade capacity building, and food security. The collaborative nature of the SEP leadership training and research programs improves agricultural productivity, systems, and processes in partnering emerging market economies through the transfer of new science and agricultural technologies. SEP focuses on a cohort of Fellows who spend up to 12 weeks at the U.S. academic institution (host institution) and work directly with U.S. scientists in their fields.

Grant Details
For fiscal year 2024, USDA/FAS is seeking proposals that (1) promote the mentorship and leadership role of women researchers and scientists in food systems and, (2) that strengthen the science and evidence-base for the role and needs of women in food systems, including as it relates to climate change. The program may also include collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as U.S. regulatory agencies, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and relevant U.S. Embassies.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants are State cooperative institutions or other colleges and universities in the United States. All applicants must have an active registration in the U.S. Government System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) before the application submission deadline of the announcement.

Period of Performance
The projected period of performance start is August 1, 2024, and end is July 31, 2026. Extensions to this program may be permitted subject to approval.

Grant Value
Total Available Federal Funding: Up to $1,500,000 total, up to $300,000 per award. Anticipated Number of Awards: Up to six awards. Cost Share/Match Requirement: None/Not Required.

Place of Performance
USDA/FAS is seeking applications that focus on training and empowering Fellows from low to middle income economies in Africa and the Middle East, Asia, as well as Latin America and the Caribbean.