In FY 2026, under Assistance Listing 10.330, ASAFS will
support the development of improved alfalfa seed and forage production systems,
practices, and supporting technologies. NIFA is soliciting applications for FY
2026 under the following areas:

• Increasing alfalfa forage and seed yields and forage quality
  through improved management practices, plant breeding, and other strategies to
  reduce biotic and abiotic stresses and costs of production.
• 
  
  Improving alfalfa forage and seed harvest and storage
  systems, including mechanization and automation that reduces labor costs, to
  optimize economic returns to alfalfa producers as well as end-users including
  milk producers.
• 
  
  Developing methods to estimate alfalfa forage yield and
  quality to support marketing as a livestock feed and instruments to reduce
  producer risks.
• 
  
  Exploring new uses for alfalfa such as fish feeds, nutritive
  supplements, alternative protein sources for human consumption, high-value
  chemical manufacturing, or other novel uses.
• 
  
  Developing improved insect, disease and weed management
  strategies, including spotted aphid, in alfalfa seed production and potential
  herbicide carry-over issues.

Funding: The total project budget requested cannot exceed
$300,000 per year for a project period of up to three years.