USDA Funds $1.8M for Alternative Crop Research
Four university and private-sector projects will study how alternative crops can be adapted to different growing regions.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Organic Food
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The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded $1.8 million to four projects under the Supplemental and Alternative Crops competitive grant program. The funding, awarded for fiscal year 2026, supports research and Extension efforts on crops grown for food, animal feed, oils, and industrial products.
Why it matters
Alternative crops are attracting attention as producers search for new market opportunities and stronger sources of farm income. Such crops may provide additional income streams, reduce economic risk, and improve land use flexibility for growers.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded $1.8 million across four projects for fiscal year 2026. Awards went to Kansas State University, New West Genetics Inc., Pennsylvania State University, and Texas A&M University, and the specific crops under study were not identified.
The players
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The federal research agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers competitive grants supporting agricultural science, education, and extension work nationwide.
Kansas State University
A public land-grant research university in Manhattan, Kansas, with a long-standing agricultural research program.
Texas A&M University
A major public land-grant university in College Station, Texas, known for its agricultural and life sciences research.
Pennsylvania State University
A public land-grant research university with a significant agricultural research presence in University Park, Pennsylvania.
The details
The projects will examine production methods, management strategies, and market potential for alternative crops, and researchers will share data, recommendations, and technologies with stakeholders. The grant program supports projects within both conventional and organic farming systems and focuses on adapting crops to different growing regions.
Timeline
Funding was awarded for fiscal year 2026.
Market Landscape
The Supplemental and Alternative Crops program funds research into crops beyond the major commodities, reflecting ongoing federal interest in diversifying U.S. agriculture. These awards add to that effort by targeting crops intended for food, feed, oils, and industrial uses.
Producers exploring new crops may gain research-based guidance on production and market potential for alternatives to conventional commodities. Growers who diversify into alternative crops could reduce reliance on a single income source.
The takeaway
Farmers weighing new crops can watch for the research findings these grants will produce, since they are designed to help producers make informed decisions about alternative crops. Diversifying crop choices may help growers manage risk as market demand for renewable and sustainable products grows.
Further reading
For more on how farmers are expanding their crop options, browse Organic Food coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wisconsinagconnection.
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