Stakeholder Notice: USDA Opens $3.67M Funding Round for 2026 Borlaug & Cochran Fellowships

Washington, D.C., June 16, 2026 - USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) invites U.S. higher education and research institutions to submit proposals for the 2026 Borlaug and Cochran Fellowship Programs.

This $3,675,000 investment funds U.S.-based scientific collaboration and training designed to dismantle foreign barriers to trade, advance regulatory frameworks based in science, and secure new pathways for American agricultural export.

FAS's FY26 investment will fund collaborative research and training based in the U.S. These programs directly support American agriculture by reducing foreign trade barriers, advancing science-based regulations, and opening new export markets for U.S. commodities.

2026 Funding Portfolios:

• Borlaug Fellowship Program ($2.625M Total): Funds 6 programs up to $750,000 each. Focuses on long-term scientific research, biotechnology, and regulatory alignment.
• Cochran Fellowship Program ($1.050M Total): Funds 7 programs up to $150,000 each. Focuses on short-term hands-on training for international buyers and regulatory officials.

High-Priority Trade Objectives & Regional Targets:

Selected U.S. institutions will host international fellows to directly advance four critical U.S. trade priorities:

1. Expand markets for softwood lumber in Vietnam's growing manufacturing and construction sectors by demonstrating the quality, grading and structural applications of American wood.
2. Increase market access for U.S. poultry and consumer products in Uzbekistan and Egypt by showcasing America's food safety standards, building trust with buyers and government officials.
3. Advance biotechnology across North Africa and Southeast Asia by encouraging science-based regulations that increase opportunities for U.S. exports of genetically engineered corn, soy, and distillers dried grains.
4. Lower non-tariff trade barriers tied to gene editing in Egypt by establishing a peer-to-peer scientific partnership with government researchers, helping align Egypt's technical standards with U.S. feed and food frameworks.

U.S. colleges and universities, land-grant institutions, and state cooperative institutions are eligible to apply. If selected, partners will be required to design curriculum, provide technical mentorship, manage travel logistics, and report on measurable trade impacts.

How to Apply:

The full program criteria, specific country allocations, and submission portals are live on Grants.gov at:

• Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program FY2026
• Cochran Fellowship Programs FY2026

The deadline to apply for both programs is 11:59 PM EST on August 14, 2026.