Arizona Iceberg Lettuce Research Council - FY26

The Arizona Iceberg Lettuce Research Council (AILRC) is offering a competitive grant opportunity for fiscal year 2026 aimed at supporting research that benefits Arizona’s iceberg lettuce producers. This program is designed to help the agricultural community address specific production challenges by funding research projects whose findings will be shared directly with growers. Administered by the Arizona Department of Agriculture through its Agricultural Consultation and Training Division, the AILRC operates outside of Arizona’s Title 41 grant statute and follows the competitive grant solicitation process established under Arizona Administrative Code R3-9-106. The goal of the AILRC Grant Program is to foster innovation and problem-solving in the iceberg lettuce industry, especially through research that generates practical and applicable outcomes. All funded research must serve the purpose of improving production practices, solving pressing issues, or enhancing the sustainability and profitability of iceberg lettuce farming in Arizona. To ensure that the findings are accessible to those who need them most, all abstracts, results, and reports from funded projects must be made publicly available to Arizona growers via the AILRC. Approximately $63,000 in funding is available for this cycle. The funds are sourced from assessments levied per carton or bulk bin of iceberg lettuce prepared for market, calculated based on weight per Arizona Revised Statutes § 3-526.04. The AILRC may choose to award multiple grants and may fund multi-year projects, contingent on the availability of funds at the time of award. There is no specific award ceiling or floor stated, nor is there a predetermined number of awards to be distributed. Importantly, there is no matching funds requirement for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include a wide range of institutions and organizations. Local, state, and tribal governments, school districts, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, private sector entities, and consortia are all eligible to apply. Individuals may apply as well, but must provide documentation proving lawful presence in the United States under A.R.S. § 1-502 and 8 U.S.C. § 1621. Employers submitting applications must demonstrate active participation in the federal e-verify program. These measures ensure compliance with state and federal statutes governing public funding. Applications must be submitted online between July 7, 2025, and August 4, 2025. The council expects to issue award notifications in August 2025. For guidance, applicants may contact Ashley Estes, the Grant Program Manager and Council Administrator, by email at aestes@azda.gov or by phone at 602-316-6775. Mail inquiries can be directed to the Arizona Department of Agriculture at either 1110 W. Washington, Suite 450, Phoenix, AZ 85007, or 1802 W. Jackson St. #78, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Fax communications may be sent to 602-364-0830. Applicants are advised to submit all required materials before the deadline, as late submissions will not be accepted. No additional deadlines such as Letters of Intent or preliminary proposal phases are indicated. All applicants should ensure that they carefully review program requirements, submit complete proposals, and prepare to share all research outcomes for the benefit of the wider Arizona iceberg lettuce farming community.