Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a non-profit organization that funds ambitious scientific research to address critical challenges across the food and agriculture sectors. Operating through a unique public-private partnership model, FFAR solicits co-investment from non-federal sources to support research that yields actionable, publicly available results, thereby advancing innovation and solutions in agricultural science. Its grants aim to accelerate discovery and adoption of technologies for sustainable food systems.

FFAR was established by the U.S. Congress through the Agricultural Act of 2014, with its formation announced by then-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. This legislative action arose from the insight that a dedicated, collaborative entity was needed to bridge funding gaps and foster interdisciplinary research, ensuring a robust pipeline of scientific advancements for the nation's food and agricultural future, beyond traditional government funding mechanisms.

The organization's beneficiaries include farmers, who utilize improved practices and technologies stemming from research, and consumers, who benefit from a more sustainable and secure food supply. FFAR's vision is to cultivate a resilient food and agriculture system capable of meeting global demands. It strives to address the most pressing issues in food and agricultural science, driving innovation that sustains productivity and protects natural resources for generations to come.