Special Research Grants Program Potato Breeding Research

Background
The Special Research Grants Program Potato Breeding Research is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program aims to support research that leads to the development and commercial use of superior-performing potato varieties, addressing significant challenges faced by the U.S. potato industry.

The grant focuses on varietal development and testing through conventional breeding and biotechnological genetics.

Grant Details
The grant will fund two-year projects aimed at developing and releasing new potato varieties with high commercial value. Key tasks include:
1) Developing superior performing varieties resistant to pests and diseases such as potato virus Y, nematodes, and blight pathogens;
2) Incorporating traits for improved water and nutrient use efficiency;
3) Identifying desirable yield, storability, and consumer quality traits;
4) Developing high-throughput methods for trait selection.

Proposals must demonstrate active involvement in variety-releasing breeding programs, with a two-year work plan required for funding consideration.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include State agricultural experiment stations, land-grant colleges and universities, research foundations established by land-grant institutions, and accredited veterinary colleges. Applicants may subcontract to non-eligible organizations if necessary for project execution. Duplicate submissions are not allowed.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for funded projects is set for 24 months, starting from the effective date of the grant award.

Grant Value
The total anticipated funding for FY 2025 is approximately $3,703,050, with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $1,500,000 per year.

Place of Performance
The grant activities are expected to be conducted across multiple states as part of a region-based integrated research approach.