Washington Roundup – January 2026
USDA Announces New Research and Development Priorities
On December 30th, Secretary of Agriculture Rollins signed a memorandum establishing new priorities for future research and development activities funded by USDA. It is common for USDA leadership to set new priorities after a change in administrations. The new research and development activities funded by USDA will be focused on projects that address one or more of the following priorities:
- Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers
- Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products
- Protecting the Integrity of American Agriculture from Invasive Species
- Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land
- Improving Human Health through Precision Nutrition and Food Quality
It is expected that these priorities will be incorporated into future Notices of Funding Opportunities. ASAS members are encouraged to review the priorities and how their research can support them.
USDA/HHS Release New Dietary Guidelines
On January 7th, USDA and HHS Secretaries released the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans for years 2025-2030. The revised version introduces a new inverted pyramid with increased focus on protein and fruits and vegetables. The guidelines recommend more consumption of “real foods” including meat and full fat dairy products. This presents an opportunity for the livestock and dairy industry and is a shift from previous efforts to minimize animal product consumption in favor of plant-based proteins. ASAS has long held that science supports animal products playing a critical role in nutrition and health. A Fact Sheet summarizing the new guidelines can be found HERE.
USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge
On January 21st, USDA launched the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge to address the threat of NWS and its potential spread into the United States. The Grand Challenge is a part of USDA’s overall strategy to combat NWS. As part of the Grand Challenge, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade.
Priority Areas for Funding
APHIS invites proposals that support one or more of the following objectives:
- Enhance sterile NWS fly production
- Develop novel NWS traps and lures
- Develop and increase understanding of NWS therapeutics/treatments (i.e. products that could treat, prevent, or control NWS) for animals
- Develop other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS
The notice of funding opportunity, including application instructions, eligibility, and program requirements, is available on the NWS Grand Challenge webpage. Applicants can also find information on the ezFedGrants website or Grants.gov by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-OA000000-26-0001. The deadline for submissions is February 23, 2026.
NIFA to Hold Listening Session on Research Facilities Act Program
NIFA has announced that it will hold a virtual, open, public listening session to collect stakeholder input on the implementation of the FY 2026 Research Facilities Act Program (RFAP) competitive grant opportunity. The listening session will take place from 12:00pm-1:30pm EST on February 5th. Click HERE to register.
RFAP’s purpose is to assist eligible institutions with the construction, modification, acquisition, modernization, refurbishment, or remodeling of their agricultural research facility to conduct research in the food and agricultural sciences. NIFA is particularly interested in achieving the most impact and identifying suggested priorities in the program.
In 2025, Congress provided $125 million in mandatory funding through the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in support of investments in the nation’s research infrastructure. This represents a strong opportunity to address facilities needs for future animal research.
In addition to the listening session, NIFA will be accepting written comments, which are due by 5 p.m. Eastern on February 12, 2026. Comments should be limited to 2 double-spaced pages, 12pt New Times Roman font size and sent to: REE.NIFA.RFAP@usda.gov
