Deadline Date: December 17, 2025
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), on behalf of Clemson University and the Food Packaging Forum (FFP), is now accepting applications for the Packaging Innovation Program.
The initiative aims to develop innovative packaging solutions and alternatives for specialty crops that comply with emerging packaging regulations in key international markets, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan.
The program is structured around three distinct tracks to support innovations at different stages of development. Track 1, Applied R&D, targets solutions that are still at the laboratory stage but show strong potential to be implemented in pilot-scale manufacturing with minimal additional effort. Track 2, Technology Accelerator, focuses on scaling sustainable packaging innovations to meet the requirements of foreign markets. Track 3, Scale-up and Pilot, supports pilot-scale manufacturing projects aimed at commercializing packaging solutions for specialty crop exports.
Funding is available for up to twenty awards, ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 each, with a performance period of 12 months. Beyond financial support, awardees will gain access to collaboration and networking opportunities, industry and consumer insights, life cycle assessment analyses, and legal reviews of emerging packaging regulations.
Proposals must address at least two program priorities, which include maintaining or increasing U.S. exports of specialty crops, helping exporters comply with emerging packaging and labeling regulations, developing alternatives to single-use plastics, creating reusable packaging systems, supporting the export of crops sold without packaging, and reducing economic losses from food loss and waste. By aligning research with these priorities, the program aims to advance sustainable and market-ready packaging solutions.
The program welcomes applications from institutions of higher education, non-profits, for-profits, government-affiliated researchers, and both domestic and international organisations. International applicants are encouraged to apply, provided they collaborate with U.S.-based researchers, packaging companies, or specialty crop exporters. Individuals with the skills and resources to lead proposed research are invited to work with their organisations to submit applications.
This initiative presents a unique opportunity for innovators in packaging and agricultural exports to contribute to sustainable solutions that meet international regulatory requirements while supporting the growth of U.S. specialty crop exports.
For more information, visit FFAR.
