Updated USDA Research Priorities, Terms and Conditions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released two programmatic updates on the agency’s research priorities and on the terms and conditions for agency-funded grants.

On December 30, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed a Secretary's Memorandum, announcing five new priorities for USDA-funded agricultural research and development aimed at strengthening U.S. agriculture:

1. Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers
2. Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products
3. Protecting the Integrity of American Agriculture from Invasive Species
4. Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land
5. Improving Human Health through Precision Nutrition and Food Quality

According to the press release, the memo refocuses research investments on applied outcomes that enhance farmer profitability, productivity, export competitiveness, and lower input costs, while moving away from prior policy approaches viewed as burdensome or misaligned with producer needs.

On December 31, an additional Secretary’s Memorandum was released directing all USDA agencies and staff offices to immediately adopt and implement the first-ever set of USDA General Terms and Conditions for all future awards, effective on all new awards starting December 31, 2025.