Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI) program focuses on collaborative science engagement that brings together a community of researchers across both crops and animals to lay the foundation for expanding knowledge concerning genomes and phenomes of importance to the agriculture sector of the United States. Applications that propose a collaboration among U.S. crop and animal researchers are encouraged. In FY 2022, Congress recognized the value of leading public and Land-grant Universities with unique high-throughput phenotyping and greenhouse facilities and expertise for plant science innovation, root and rhizome innovation, and food for health. Congress provided funding for the Genome to Phenome program and encouraged NIFA to support the development of tools and datasets that can be used across multiple crop species to develop advanced genome engineering tools for integrated optimization of crop yield and animal feed for improved animal reproduction and nutrition and to mitigate environmental impacts from crop and animal production. Specifically the objectives of the program are- (1) to expand knowledge concerning genomes and phenomes of crops and animals of importance to the agriculture sector of the United States; (2) to understand how variable weather, environments, and production systems impact the growth and productivity of specific varieties of crops and species of animals in order to provide greater accuracy in predicting crop and animal performance under variable conditions; (3) to support research...

Federal Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals) Individual/Family U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals) Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals) Small business (less than 500 employees) Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans) Native American Organizations (includes lndian groups, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, associations) Other public institution/organization Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals)

NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, we screen each application to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in this NOFO. Second, a scientific peer-review process will be used to technically evaluate applications that meet the administrative requirements using a review panel.

This program has no statutory formula. Specific details are provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs)MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Fiscal Year2025: One award was issued to breed rice to enhance crop yield using unmanned aerial system imaging to inform genomic selection. A second award was issued to utilize vast amounts of genomic data to improve genomic prediction across various plant and animal species.