The UIE program (ALN 10.333) supports research, education, and extension activities through competitive grants designed to address key production and market challenges of local, regional, and national importance. The authorization covers the full food value chain, including production, harvesting, transportation, aggregation, packaging, distribution, and market development. Public input was solicited through Federal Register Notice 2020-08402, stakeholder listening sessions, and consultation with the Federal Advisory Committee (FAC) for Urban Agriculture to help identify the most urgent needs in the above listed food value chain stages. This input helped identify the most urgent needs across the food value chain.

To address the most critical challenges in agricultural production and market growth, applications must align with the FY 2026 Priority Focus of identifying and promoting the horticultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to successful agricultural production in high‑population‑density settings, indoor and controlled‑environment systems, and other emerging agricultural production approaches.

Applicants must include local community organizations in the project team. Priority will be given to proposals that involve the cooperation of multiple eligible applicants.