Proposal Deadline: February 27, 2026

Awards will be announced by March 20, 2026

Award Period: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027

Budget Template (download)

Proposal Outline

CESFAS Request for Proposals Document (download)

Rubric used to assess proposals (download)

Grant Application Portal

CESFAS aims to build research capacity in agriculture value-added across the campus by supporting seed projects. Proposals should address agriculture and food system issues or challenges and produce tangible results that can lead to larger research initiatives, new intellectual property, improved industry performance, or new business investments. These projects encompass all phases of agricultural research and development.  The awards seek to strengthen the research enterprise throughout New Mexico by fostering interdisciplinary teams focused on value-added research that contributes to the state’s economic growth, sustainability, and community resilience in agricultural and food systems. 

Funding Availability 

Funding is available annually based on the following award period (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027). A total of $150,000–$200,000 in funding is available. Proposals may be submitted for amounts of $25,000 up to $50,000. Funds must be used within the award period, ending March 31, 2027. No carry-over of funds will be permitted. Funding for operations, travel, non-capital equipment, supplies, software, data, printing, publication charges, and non-faculty personnel can be used. Course buyouts and summer salary for PIs are not eligible expenses. 

Applicant Eligibility

All NMSU faculty affiliated with CESFAS are eligible to apply. Affiliation is easy and can be accomplished by registering here: https://acesnmsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2UYaZGWHGVArlk. Proposals must include collaboration across at least two NMSU colleges, with interdisciplinary teams encouraged to include junior and senior faculty members. 

Proposal Requirements                 

Collaboration

Proposals must involve at least two NMSU colleges. Collaboration with external institutions or colleges is encouraged, provided they contribute additional resources or funding. 

Value-Added Research

Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the project will add economic, social, or environmental value to agricultural or food systems in New Mexico. 

Stakeholder Involvement and Impact

The proposal must outline the involvement of relevant stakeholders from New Mexico's agricultural and food sectors, as well as the broader impact the project will have on these communities. This could include partnerships, advisory roles, or active participation in the project, ensuring the research addresses real-world needs and has the potential for broader regional or national significance. 

CESFAS Mission Alignment

The project must align with the CESFAS mission by focusing on adding value to agricultural products and food systems in New Mexico. This includes efforts to enhance the economic competitiveness of local agricultural products, create new market opportunities, and improve product quality through innovation in processing, packaging, and distribution. Proposals should also address sustainability, resource efficiency, and the potential to contribute to long-term growth in the state's agricultural economy. Stakeholder collaboration is strongly recommended and can be demonstrated through letters of interest and or support.  

Potential for External Funding

Projects should describe how results will position the research team for future external funding opportunities. 

Previous and Current Support

CESFAS funding recipients who have previously or are currently receiving support are required to briefly summarize their prior CESFAS-funded activities, including clear outcomes such as publications, presentations, external funding leveraged, student mentorship, collaborations established, and other relevant impacts. This information will be used to assess the effectiveness and alignment of past support with CESFAS's strategic goals and to evaluate proposals for renewed or additional funding. 

Deliverables 

A final project report (maximum five pages) detailing research accomplishments, outputs (publications, presentations, funding applications, etc.), impacts, and budget expenditures will be due by April 30^th, 2027. Additionally, an all-hands meeting will be scheduled to present and discuss the outcomes of the work. Results derived from these projects should serve as preliminary data for pursuing larger grant opportunities. In addition to the written report, project team members should be available throughout the duration for consultation on social media posts and collaborate with the communications team to develop at least one short video about the project's impacts at the end of the project.

Application Process

Submit proposals at: https://acesnmsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bCq7fpKfa5dWPyu. Please submit a PDF of your complete proposal using the title format: CESFAS Value-Added Research Proposal_ [PI Last Name]. Incomplete proposals or those submitted past the deadline will not be considered. 

Deadline

Proposals must be submitted by February 27, 2026. Awards will be announced by March 20, 2026.

Grant Application Portal

Topics of Particular Interest 

While all proposals related to value-added research in agricultural systems are welcome, in the FY26 funding call, CESFAS places special emphasis on research projects that focus on the topic areas listed below.