Supporting Research with Federal Capacity Funds

A person handling plants that are mostly wrapped

Cornell AES manages Federal Capacity Funds that serve three colleges at Cornell:

These funds support about 175 projects, providing vital support for a broad base of critically important research that addresses local, state and national priorities – from agricultural crop and pest management to community and economic vitality.

Each land-grant university across the United States, including Cornell, receives these funds as an annual allocation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The majority of funds managed by Cornell AES help improve people’s lives by directly supporting important research projects, in contrast to most other land-grant universities where Federal Capacity Funds pay for faculty salaries.

Research funds are allocated to selected projects after a thorough and competitive process that includes reviews from stakeholders, faculty, directors and, finally, NIFA. Funds are managed in partnership with Cornell AgriTech and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Cornell AES research priorities

Advancing solutions for critical issues

(adapted from NIFA priorities and updated for FY2026)

Agriculture and Food Systems

Projects support a New York State food and agriculture industry that is robust, responsive, and profitable, and that produces a safe, reliable, and healthy food supply.

Environmental Systems

Projects focus on reducing environmental impacts, strengthening production systems, and advancing rural prosperity through science-based research, education, and outreach. Initiatives prioritize practical, cost-effective strategies that enhance efficiency while safeguarding New York’s natural resources and communities.

4-H Youth Development / Children, Youth and Families

Projects focus on life skill development, STEM education, food systems, and agriculture workforce opportunities for youth. This issue area also includes human development topics, including improving the quality of home and work environments.

Nutrition, Food Safety and Security, and Obesity Prevention

Projects support research, education, and extension to improve individual and community health through guidance on diet and physical activity and by developing effective educational and environmental strategies. Projects promote childhood obesity prevention, enhance youth, family, and community nutrition, and advance food security and safety.

Community and Economic Vitality

Projects foster vibrant, thriving communities by advancing entrepreneurship, adult workforce readiness, resilient food systems, and local sustainability. Focus areas include agritourism, health and wellbeing, disaster education, land use, and support for veterans, families, and volunteers—strengthening economic opportunity and quality of life across New York’s communities.