2026-2029 FFAR Fellows Program

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellows Program, launched in partnership with North Carolina State University, supports doctoral students pursuing food and agriculture science in the U.S. and Canada. This competitive fellowship addresses the increasing need for researchers equipped to meet agricultural challenges like climate change, food system sustainability, and population growth. The program focuses on professional development and soft skills, fostering leadership, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The 2026–2029 FFAR Fellows cohort offers two sponsorship tracks: Stipend + Professional Development and Professional Development only. All fellows, regardless of track, receive the same professional development training. The Stipend + Professional Development category provides $49,500 annually for tuition, fees, and living expenses, supported by $32,500 per year from non-federal sponsor(s), matched equally by FFAR. The remaining amount covers overhead and program management. The Professional Development category, offering no direct stipend, requires $5,000 per year from sponsor(s), covering participation costs for training and mentorship. Eligibility includes enrollment or acceptance in a U.S. or Canadian PhD program by May 1, 2026, and a confirmed advisor. Applicants must have completed either a master’s degree or at least one year of doctoral study by August 2026, and have three years remaining in their program. Students need a non-federal financial sponsor and must commit to one hour per semester for training. Fellowship recipients must attend the mandatory orientation from August 2–8, 2026, in Raleigh, NC. Applications require a statement of interest, CVs from both student and advisor, 3–4 reference letters depending on applicant status, academic transcripts, and a financial commitment letter from the sponsor. Submissions for the Stipend + Professional Development category are due February 22, 2026, with notification by March 15. The Professional Development category deadline is April 15, 2026, with notification by May 15. The review panel consists of agricultural scientists, business professionals, university administrators, and FFAR staff. Selections are based on the student’s potential to contribute to and benefit from the cohort model. Projects must align with FFAR’s research priority areas: Agroecosystems, Food Systems, and Production Systems. A special Rockey FFAR Fellows scholarship waives the sponsor requirement for five students whose research aligns with agricultural sustainability, computer science applications, or brings underrepresented perspectives. All other applicants must provide a financial sponsor with at least 50% of funding from a non-academic entity for the stipend track. The program does not accept federal funds and prefers sponsorships directly invoiced from the source rather than internal university allocations.

Emphasize alignment with FFAR priority areas and show readiness for cohort engagement. Direct sponsorship invoicing preferred.