September 24, 2001

C-FAR requests pre-proposals for FY03 competitive grants program

The Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR) expects $2-$3 million will be available through its FY03 External Competitive Grants Program. This program supports high-impact research that addresses the needs of Illinois food and agriculture and is open to researchers at any nonprofit institution, organization or agency in the state. Research projects must align with one of the five C-FAR research focus areas: expanding agricultural markets; rural economic development; agricultural production systems; human nutrition and food safety; and natural resources. "We look forward to the research community responding to priorities as established by the C-FAR membership," said David Downs, C-FAR Vice Chair and Research Chair.

The competitive grants program follows a two-step format. The first step is a request for and evaluation of pre-proposals. Pre-proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by C-FAR working group members based on relevance to C-FAR research focus areas, potential outcomes and benefits to stakeholders, and dissemination plans. Pre-proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. on November 1. The second step includes an invitation to principal investigators of top ranking pre-proposals to submit full proposals. Full proposals will undergo scientific review and evaluation. Grants are expected to be awarded in mid April. Funding for this program is provided by the State of Illinois.

For more detailed information about the C-FAR External Competitive Grants Program, including the selection criteria and application instructions, please visit the C-FAR website at www.ilcfar.org, visit the External Competitive Grants Program web page directly at www.ilcfar.org/research/rfpp2003/external2003.html or call the C-FAR office at (217) 244-4232.

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