The implementation of this program is contingent upon the timely formal approval of funding by the Israeli governmental authority.
Priorities
The program aims to enhance food security and production of quality protein through investment in research and development that will promote land-based aquaculture systems and desert farming. The program will fund studies that promote the understanding of biological and ecological systems related to fish, algae, and seafood. It will support investment in the advancement of fish diversity and quality.
Conducted research will aid the conservation and protection of Israel and US sea and aquatic resources.
It will also support desert farming research focused on management of agricultural production under desert conditions, with the overall objective of promoting sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
Eligibility
Affiliates of public or private non-profit research institutions that demonstrate the necessary research and development capabilities are eligible for funding. Proposals must be submitted through such legally constituted institutions. The proposal must be a joint proposal between an Israeli scientist and a US scientist.
Concurrent Funding
BARD will allow concurrent funding of an investigator who was awarded a BARD standard grant and wishes to apply for a new grant that qualifies for the Aquiculture and Desert Farming. To clarify this point, a scientist who is a PI or Co-PI of a BARD standard grant ($310,000) that has a termination date after Dec 31, 2026, can still apply for a new grant only if the proposal qualifies for Aquaculture and Desert Farming. Anyone with any Pioneer grant ($600,000) or NIFA-BARD Aquaculture and Desert Farming grant that has a termination date after Dec 31, 2026 cannot apply for a new grant.
Funding Level
Pioneer tract grants ($600,000) for a 3 year proposal will be accepted.
Application Submission:
The deadline for submission is September 15, 2025
Application Review and Award Selection:
The criteria used to evaluate the proposals are:
· Scientific Merit
· Probability of Success
· Quality of Collaboration
· Relevance to Aquaculture/desert farming stakeholders