Funding Opportunities

We invest in research, development and extension projects that deliver tangible benefits to Australia’s rural industries. Projects that address innovation, sustainability, productivity, biosecurity, workforce development, industry growth or future-focused agricultural challenges are strong candidates for funding.

We recommend looking to our most recent Annual Report and Annual Operating Plan, as well as our current Strategic Plan, all of which will offer clear guidance on our investment approach and industry-led research priorities for our rural industries for the upcoming financial year.

AgriFutures funding is open to researchers, industry partners, universities, government agencies, businesses and organisations with ideas that address our strategic research priorities. We welcome applications from both established experts and emerging innovators committed to advancing Australia’s rural industries.

Our funding programs support a broad range of established and emerging rural industries, including AgriFutures’ levied industries and AgriFutures-managed emerging industries. Each opportunity listing outlines the specific industries, sectors or focus areas eligible for investment.

We often receive requests for direct funding, but AgriFutures can only consider proposals submitted through our established programs. These programs follow a planned investment process to make sure funding supports the most important research needs across Australia’s rural industries.

Our programs are shaped by our current Research and Innovation Strategic Plan and guided by our industry Advisory Panels who help identify the RD&E priorities that matter most to each industry.

Because of this, we’re unfortunately not able to assess or fund one‑off or unsolicited project ideas, even if they relate to one of our industries.

We offer investment in a targeted format through our Funding Opportunities (current opportunities will be listed above) and Learning and Development Opportunities, and we encourage you to apply for funding or financial support via any suitable listing that is currently available.

Request for Quote (RFQ)

A Request for Quote is used when AgriFutures needs a clearly defined service or product and is seeking competitive pricing. Applicants provide a detailed quote outlining costs, deliverables and timelines. RFQs are typically used when the scope of the project is fixed and Commonwealth Procurement Rules apply.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

An Expression of Interest invites individuals or organisations to outline their capability, experience or proposed approach before a formal proposal is requested. EOIs help AgriFutures understand who is interested and qualified, and may lead to selected applicants being invited to submit a full proposal.

Open Call

An open call invites anyone who meets eligibility criteria to submit a full research proposal. Unlike an EOI, all applicants submit complete project plans from the outset. Open calls are used when AgriFutures is seeking the best ideas across industry, research and innovation communities without pre-selection.

Applications typically require a clear project proposal, budget, methodology, timelines, expected outcomes, and details about the project team. Some funding rounds may request supporting evidence, risk assessments or letters of support. Each open opportunity will outline specific requirements.

You can explore current funding opportunities, eligibility details, timelines and application requirements by clicking on each individual funding opportunity listed. Additional resources, guidelines and contact information are available to help you prepare a strong submission.

If you’re interested in understanding more about the kind of projects that AgriFutures funds, we recommend looking to our most recent Annual Report and Annual Operating Plan, as well as our current Strategic Plan, all of which offer clear guidance on our investment approach and industry-led research priorities for the upcoming financial year.