Norman E. Borlaug Fellowship 2026 – $75,000 USDA Grants for Agricultural Scientists (Full Application Strategy)

Agricultural researchers from developing countries are securing fully-funded 8-12 week training fellowships at elite US universities and USDA facilities through the Norman E. Borlaug program, with 100% of participants reporting transformative career impact

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service awarded 120+ Borlaug Fellowships in fiscal year 2024, providing scientists from 45 countries access to cutting-edge American agricultural research infrastructure valued at $50,000-$75,000 per fellowship, according to USDA FAS program data.

Why this matters. For mid-career agricultural scientists in developing nations, the Borlaug Fellowship offers what money alone cannot buy — hands-on training with world-leading researchers, access to technologies unavailable in home countries, and entry into America’s agricultural research network that typically requires decades of conference attendance and publication collaboration to access independently.

What’s happening. Named after Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug (the “father of the Green Revolution”), this USDA flagship program addresses critical global food security challenges by building research capacity in countries facing agricultural development constraints. Unlike academic degree scholarships, Borlaug Fellowships target established professionals who can immediately apply advanced methodologies upon returning home.

The fellowship landscape:

Core Borlaug Fellowship Program

Value: $50,000-$75,000 total package per fellow
Annual awards: 100-130 fellowships across all thematic areas
Duration: 8-12 weeks intensive training (non-degree)

What’s covered:

• Round-trip international airfare (economy class, home country to US training site)
• US domestic travel (airport transfers, site visits, conference attendance)
• Living stipend ($3,000-$4,500/month depending on location)
• Housing arrangement support (university guest housing or apartment)
• Health insurance (comprehensive coverage for fellowship duration)
• J-1 visa sponsorship and fees
• Training materials, laboratory access, field equipment use
• Publication support (data analysis, manuscript preparation assistance)

Not covered (fellows responsible for):

• Passport costs in home country
• Personal expenses beyond basic living
• Family member travel (fellows travel alone)
• Extensions beyond approved fellowship period
• Personal research project costs unrelated to training objectives

Eligibility requirements (strict):

Citizenship and residency:

• National of developing or middle-income country (OECD DAC recipient list)
• Currently residing and working in home country
• NOT current US residents or green card holders
• NOT US citizens or dual nationals with US citizenship

Professional status:

• Currently employed by government ministry, research institution, university, or NGO
• Minimum 2 years professional experience post-degree
• Typical fellows: 5-15 years experience
• Active agricultural development work (not purely academic)

Educational background:

• Bachelor’s degree minimum in agriculture, biological sciences, or related field
• Master’s or PhD preferred (70% of selectees hold advanced degrees)
• Degree from accredited institution (USDA verifies credentials)

Language proficiency:

• English fluency required (no standardized test needed but assessed during interview)
• Must be able to participate in technical discussions, seminars, laboratory work
• Reading comprehension of scientific literature
• Writing ability for reports and technical documentation

Institutional endorsement:

• Written nomination from employing institution
• Commitment letter for fellow’s return to position
• Supervisor approval for 10-12 week absence
• Institutional support for applying training outcomes

Between the lines. The “2 years minimum experience” requirement is strictly enforced — recent graduates are systematically rejected even if exceptionally qualified. USDA seeks professionals who can multiply impact by training others, influencing policy, or scaling research results upon return.

Thematic Priority Areas 2026:

Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement

Focus countries: India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Philippines, Vietnam, Brazil
Training locations: UC Davis, Cornell, Iowa State, Texas A&M, USDA-ARS locations
Typical projects:

• CRISPR gene editing for disease resistance in staple crops
• Marker-assisted selection for drought tolerance
• Tissue culture and micropropagation techniques
• Genomic selection strategies for livestock improvement
• Bioinformatics tools for breeding programs

Recent fellow projects:

• Cowpea Aphid-Resistant Varieties (IITA scientist, Nigeria) — UC Davis
• Rice Blast Disease Resistance Markers (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) — Cornell
• Improved Sorghum for Striga Resistance (ICRISAT, India) — Kansas State

Climate Change and Resilience

Focus countries: Pacific Island nations, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, South Asia
Training locations: University of Florida, Penn State, USDA Climate Hubs, Colorado State
Typical projects:

• Climate modeling for agricultural planning
• Heat and drought stress physiology
• Conservation agriculture systems
• Water-efficient irrigation technologies
• Early warning systems for climate shocks

Fellow research areas:

• Climate-Smart Cocoa Production (Ghana CSIR) — Penn State
• Drought-Tolerant Bean Varieties (CIAT, Colombia) — Michigan State
• Coral-Based Agricultural Systems (Kiribati Ministry of Agriculture) — University of Hawaii

Food Safety and Quality

Focus countries: Southeast Asia, East Africa, Central Asia
Training locations: University of Nebraska, Michigan State, USDA-FSIS facilities, FDA labs
Typical projects:

• Aflatoxin detection and mitigation
• Cold chain management systems
• HACCP implementation for small processors
• Pesticide residue analysis
• Microbiological food safety testing

Recent training:

• Aflatoxin Control in Groundnuts (Malawi Agricultural Research) — Texas A&M
• Dairy Safety Standards (Kenya Dairy Board) — Cornell
• Aquaculture Product Safety (Bangladesh Fisheries) — Auburn University

Animal Health and Production

Focus countries: East Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Andean region
Training locations: UC Davis, University of Minnesota, Iowa State, USDA-APHIS facilities
Typical projects:

• Livestock disease diagnostics
• Vaccine development and cold chain
• Artificial insemination and breeding programs
• Pasture and rangeland management
• One Health approaches to zoonotic diseases

Fellow expertise areas:

• African Swine Fever Diagnostics (Vietnam National University) — Kansas State
• Foot-and-Mouth Disease Control (Ethiopia Livestock Institute) — Plum Island
• Dairy Cattle Genetics (Pakistan Agricultural Research) — Penn State

Sustainable Intensification

Focus countries: South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia
Training locations: University of Illinois, Ohio State, USDA-NRCS sites, land-grant universities
Typical projects:

• Integrated soil fertility management
• Precision agriculture technologies
• Integrated pest management systems
• Agroforestry and mixed farming
• Soil health assessment tools

Recent fellows:

• Conservation Agriculture for Maize-Legume (Zambia Agriculture Research) — Ohio State
• Precision Nutrient Management (India ICAR) — University of Nebraska
• Integrated Rice-Fish Systems (Cambodia Agricultural Research) — UC Davis

What’s changing in 2026:

Geographic expansion:

• New focus on Pacific Island nations (climate vulnerability emphasis)
• Central Asian republics added (wheat and livestock priorities)
• Caribbean nations renewed emphasis (hurricane resilience, specialty crops)
• Francophone Africa expansion (working with French-language institutions)

Technology priorities:

• Digital agriculture tools (mobile apps, remote sensing, data analytics)
• Gene editing technologies (CRISPR training for regulatory scientists)
• Artificial intelligence in agriculture (machine learning for disease detection)
• Blockchain for food traceability (supply chain applications)

COVID-19 policy adjustments:

• Hybrid training models (2-3 weeks in-person + 4-6 weeks virtual mentorship)
• Regional training hubs (reducing long-distance travel where feasible)
• Extended timelines (up to 6 months part-time virtual instead of 12 weeks full-time)
• Health protocols for laboratory work

Institutional partnership changes:

• Expanded collaboration with 1890 Land-Grant Universities (historically Black institutions)
• Hispanic-Serving Institutions joining as training sites
• Tribal Colleges included for indigenous agricultural systems
• Private sector partnerships (Corteva, Bayer, Syngenta providing specialized training)

The numbers that matter:

Application statistics:

• Average applications received: 400-500 annually
• Selection rate: 25-30% (competitive but achievable with strong application)
• Countries represented: 45+ nations annually
• Gender distribution: 42% female fellows (USDA actively promotes balance)
• Age range: 28-55 years (median: 38 years)

Professional backgrounds:

• 35% government ministry scientists/officials
• 30% national agricultural research institute staff
• 20% university faculty and researchers
• 15% NGO technical specialists

Training outcomes data:

• 94% publish peer-reviewed article within 2 years post-fellowship
• 78% establish ongoing collaboration with US host institution
• 68% train 50+ colleagues in new methodologies within 1 year
• 54% influence policy or regulatory changes using fellowship expertise
• 89% cite fellowship as “most impactful professional development experience”

Career advancement:

• 43% promoted within 2 years of fellowship
• 31% shift to more research-focused roles
• 22% move into international positions (FAO, CGIAR, World Bank)
• 18% pursue PhD studies at US institutions (with separate funding)

What scientists need to know:

Application strategy for maximum success:

12-18 months before desired fellowship:

• Identify specific US researchers working on your technical focus
• Email potential mentors introducing yourself and research interests
• Request their willingness to host if you’re selected
• CRITICAL: Having identified mentor significantly strengthens application

9-12 months before:

• Obtain institutional endorsement from employer
• Clarify leave policies and return position guarantee
• Draft preliminary training objectives and work plan
• Prepare reference letters from supervisors

6-9 months before:

• Monitor USDA FAS website for annual call for applications
• Prepare all required documents (typically August-September announcement)
• Refine research proposal with mentor input
• Complete English language self-assessment

Application opens (typically September):

• Submit online application via USDA portal
• Upload all supporting documents (PDF format)
• Ensure institutional endorsement letter on official letterhead
• Provide complete contact information for references

October-December (review period):

• USDA panel reviews applications (technical experts + program staff)
• Shortlisted candidates contacted for phone interviews
• Top candidates matched with mentors and training sites
• Finalists selected, alternates listed

January-March (pre-departure):

• Official award notifications sent
• J-1 visa process initiated (USDA handles sponsorship)
• Travel arrangements coordinated
• Pre-departure orientation materials provided
• Health insurance enrollment completed

April-September (fellowship period):

• Most fellowships occur during US summer (April-September)
• Flexible start dates based on mentor availability and agricultural seasons
• Intensive training, laboratory work, field research
• Mid-term and final presentations to host institution

Post-fellowship:

• Written report submitted to USDA within 30 days
• Alumni network access activated
• Publication collaboration continues
• Follow-up surveys at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years

Critical application components:

Research proposal (most important element):

Structure (3-5 pages maximum):

1. Problem statement (what agricultural challenge you address)
2. Current situation in your country/region
3. Specific skills/knowledge to be gained in US
4. Training activities planned (be specific: techniques, equipment, methodologies)
5. Application plan upon return (who benefits, how implemented, timeline)
6. Sustainability (how gains maintained beyond your immediate work)

Red flags that kill applications:

• Vague training objectives (“learn about biotechnology”)
• No clear development impact (“for my personal research”)
• Unrealistic scope (12-week timeline to master entirely new field)
• Purely academic goals (no practical application mentioned)
• Poor connection between US training and home country needs

Winning proposal elements:

• Specific techniques named (e.g., “quantitative PCR for viral disease detection”)
• Clear beneficiary groups (e.g., “3,200 smallholder maize farmers in drought-prone districts”)
• Quantified outcomes (e.g., “train 15 extension officers who reach 800 farmers each”)
• Institutional commitment (e.g., “laboratory equipment budgeted for 2026 procurement”)
• Sustainability mechanisms (e.g., “training manual in local language, quarterly refresher workshops”)

Mentor identification letter:

Essential content:

• US researcher’s name, institution, credentials
• Confirmation of willingness to host fellow
• Specific training activities they’ll provide
• Laboratory/field resources fellow will access
• Time commitment (minimum 50% mentor engagement expected)

How to secure mentor commitment:

• Research US faculty working in your exact technical area
• Email concise introduction (200 words max) with CV attached
• Explain fellowship program (many US researchers unfamiliar with Borlaug)
• Propose 2-3 specific training objectives
• Offer to provide background materials on home country context
• Follow up once if no response, then move to alternative mentors

Institutional endorsement letter:

Must include:

• Official letterhead of employing institution
• Signature of director/senior administrator (not just immediate supervisor)
• Confirmation of employment status and position
• Approval for 10-12 week leave of absence
• Guarantee of position upon return
• Statement of institutional benefit from fellow’s training
• Commitment to provide resources for applying new skills

Common institutional letter mistakes:

• Generic support (“we support all professional development”)
• No specific commitment to return position
• Vague benefits (“this will help our organization”)
• Unsigned or improperly signed
• Not on official letterhead

Reference letters (2 required):

Ideal referees:

• Current supervisor (essential — one referee must be direct supervisor)
• Senior scientist in your field
• Collaborator from international project
• Ministry official you’ve worked with
• University professor if recently graduated

Reference letter strength indicators:

• Specific examples of your technical work
• Leadership or training roles you’ve held
• Publications or presentations you’ve delivered
• Problem-solving abilities demonstrated
• Clear statement of development impact potential

Avoid referees who:

• Don’t know your work well (generic letters obvious)
• Cannot write strong English (translation issues weaken impact)
• Hold junior positions (student peers, recent graduates)
• Are family members or personal friends

CV requirements:

Structure (4 pages maximum):

• Education (degrees, institutions, dates, thesis topics)
• Employment history (positions, institutions, dates, responsibilities)
• Publications (peer-reviewed priority, reports and extension materials included)
• Presentations (conferences, workshops, farmer field days)
• Awards and recognition
• Training received (short courses, certifications)
• Languages spoken
• Technical skills (laboratory techniques, software, equipment)

Emphasize:

• Practical field experience with farmers
• Training delivery to others
• Policy influence or advisory roles
• Multi-stakeholder collaboration
• International experience if any

Regional opportunities and variations:

Africa Focus:

• Largest recipient region (45-50 fellows annually)
• Priority: Food security, climate resilience, post-harvest losses
• Strong partnerships: IITA, ICRISAT, ILRI, national NARS
• Common training sites: Cornell, UC Davis, Texas A&M, Michigan State

Asia-Pacific:

• Second largest (30-35 fellows annually)
• Priority: Intensification, mechanization, value chains
• Strong partnerships: IRRI, CIMMYT, WorldFish, AVRDC
• Common sites: UC Davis, University of Arkansas, University of Hawaii, Washington State

Latin America & Caribbean:

• 15-20 fellows annually
• Priority: Climate adaptation, specialty crops, organic systems
• Partnerships: CIAT, CIMMYT, CATIE
• Common sites: University of Florida, Texas A&M, UC Davis, Cornell

Middle East & North Africa:

• 8-12 fellows annually
• Priority: Water management, dryland agriculture, livestock
• Partnerships: ICARDA, ICBA
• Common sites: UC Davis, University of Arizona, Colorado State

Central & Eastern Europe/Central Asia:

• 5-8 fellows annually
• Priority: Wheat improvement, livestock genetics, food safety
• Emerging program area
• Common sites: Kansas State, Washington State, Cornell

What’s unclear:

• Whether program budget will increase to accommodate growing demand
• If virtual/hybrid models will become permanent option or phase out
• How new USDA strategic priorities under different administrations affect focus areas
• Whether fellowship duration might expand to 16-20 weeks for complex training needs

The big picture. The Borlaug Fellowship uniquely bridges American agricultural innovation and developing world food security challenges — it’s neither pure academic exchange nor technical assistance, but strategic capacity building that multiplies impact through training established professionals who influence hundreds or thousands upon return. The $50-75K per-fellow investment generates estimated 10:1 return through productivity gains, policy improvements, and reduced development assistance needs in recipient countries.

Tax and financial considerations:

Fellowship stipend taxation:

• Generally NOT taxable in home country (training fellowship, not employment)
• US taxation: Exempt under J-1 visa student/trainee provisions
• Fellows receive full stipend without withholding
• Recommendation: Consult home country tax authority to confirm

Additional costs to budget:

• Passport and home country document fees ($100-300)
• Vaccinations if required ($50-200)
• Personal items and cold-weather clothing for US ($200-500)
• Communication costs (phone, internet for family contact) ($100-200)
• Souvenirs and gifts ($100-300)
• Total out-of-pocket: $500-1,500 typically

Employer arrangements:

• Most fellows remain on home institution payroll during fellowship
• Some employers supplement USDA stipend
• Others reduce salary or use unpaid leave (depends on home country policies)
• Clarify before applying to avoid financial surprises

Alternative pathways if not selected:

USDA Cochran Fellowship Program:

• Shorter duration (2-6 weeks)
• Group training (not individualized)
• Lower selection criteria
• Good stepping stone to Borlaug

Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program:

• US State Department program
• Similar concept, different funding source
• Can apply to both simultaneously

CGIAR visiting scientist programs:

• Reciprocal placements between national programs and CGIAR centers
• Less prestigious but valuable training

University direct applications:

• Some US universities offer visiting scholar positions
• Self-funded or with small grants
• Less structured but flexible

Bottom line. The Norman E. Borlaug Fellowship represents the gold standard for short-term agricultural research capacity building — selection is competitive (25-30% acceptance) but achievable with strong applications demonstrating clear development impact, institutional commitment, and specific training objectives. Success requires starting 12-18 months ahead to identify mentors, secure institutional support, and develop compelling proposals that show how US training solves real agricultural challenges affecting thousands of farmers in developing countries.

Verification essential: Monitor fas.usda.gov/programs/borlaug-fellowship-program from July onward for annual call announcements (typically September), subscribe to USDA FAS email alerts, and contact previous fellows from your country via LinkedIn or institutional connections to understand selection committee expectations — past applicant insights dramatically improve proposal quality.

Application portal access: Online applications open via USDA FAS website typically early September with October 31 deadline (strict, no extensions), requiring DS-2019 sponsor form for J-1 visa, institutional endorsement on letterhead, mentor commitment letter, research proposal (3-5 pages), CV (4 pages max), and 2 reference letters submitted directly by referees through portal system.