Research Proposal Guidelines

The Pennsylvania Soybean Promotion Board requests proposals on an annual basis. Applications are due January 15. Funding decisions are typically made during the second or third week of March. Project coordinators will be contacted to schedule oral presentations or proposals before the Board. Successful applicants will be notified of funding status by mail within 30 days.

Proposals concerning soybean production, utilization and marketing research will be considered. Please see our Research Priorities before you develop your proposal. Investigators are encouraged to submit proposals for other research that may expand profit opportunities for soybean farmers. All proposals must demonstrate a benefit to soybean farmers. Regional proposals will receive favorable consideration.

For successful proposals, payment schedules are as follows: 50 percent of the project budget will be paid upon a fully executed Funding Agreement, 40 percent upon receipt of an interim/progress report due August 1, and the remaining 10 percent will be paid upon receipt of a written report on the year's progress or results.

The Pennsylvania Soybean Promotion Board also will require that the researcher acknowledge the Board's support in any publication reporting findings of Board sponsored research. The Pennsylvania Soybean Promotion Board requests copies of all such publications for our files. A short research abstract will be required for Pennsylvania Soybean Board use (typically in our annual report to farmers).

Please use the application form provided on this website. If you are unable to download the application, please email our office or call (410) 742-9500 to request an application form.

Please complete these forms fully and use clear, concise language. Explain any scientific terms as may be necessary. There is no limit to the number of pages the proposal may be; however, investigators should seek to provide descriptive, clear and concise material as briefly stated as possible and practical.