The U.S.A. pulse crop industry is dedicated to robust scientific research to continue to advance dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. Research directed towards enhancing the development of pulses provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate how their increased use and consumption and positively impact agricultural systems, the food industry, and public health. Priority research areas include:

By addressing these priorities, we aim to keep both people and the planet healthy.

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USA Pulses Dry Pea & Lentil Council Grant Opportunity

Call for Proposals is OPEN for FY2026/27

General Timeline

Release of RFP	October, 2025
Deadline for Submission	December 5, 2025
Joint Research Review Presentations	February 17-18, 2026
Applicants will be asked to present a brief overview of the proposal. Presentations may be in-person or via video teleconference.
USA Pulses budgeting process finalized	June 30, 2026
Budgets approved by Board	July 1, 2026
Award notices	Mid-Late July 2026
Contracts with USA Pulses and Institutions	August 2026
Research and reporting activity	July 2026 to June 2027
Publications and Final reports due	December 2027

Previously Funded Awards:

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Pulse Crop Health Initiative (PCHI)

Click here for more information and previously funded projects.

The goal of the Pulse Crop Health Initiative is to use collaborative research on pulse crops to provide solutions to the critical health and sustainability challenges facing the citizens of the United States and the global community.

Plans of work are accepted for research pertaining to any/all of the following research areas:

1. Human Health Improvement & Chronic Disease Prevention
2. Functionality Traits & Food Security
3. Sustainability of Pulse Production Systems
4. NIFA-AFRI Funding (protein in pulses)
   • Explore the current Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Foundational & Applied Science opportunities at nifa.usda.gov →.
   • The FY2026 USA Pulses commodity board topic is attached for reference in the FY26 AFRI FAS RFA (PDF) →.
   • For topic alignment support, email info@usapulses.org.

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Variety Trial Guidelines

Do you lead a pulse crop variety trials program? Here are guidelines set by the industry and a template to include key measurements.

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Variety Trial Results

UI Variety Testing _ Winter Pea Results

Yields for 2023 were below average, but exceeded 3,000 lb/A at every location except Pullman. Freeze events below 0°F without snow cover and lower-than-average precipitation in May and June likely drove the reductions, even as moderate flowering and pod-setting temperatures supported solid seed development.

	Average Yield (lb/A)
Idaho locations:
Moscow	3,007
Greencreek (Camas Prairie)	3,197
Washington locations:
Pullman	2,278
Walla Walla	3,163

There are two new varieties listed in the data. Below are the new names and experimental designations that these varieties were previously tested under.

• KurtWood (previously tested as Pro 182-7137), ProGene
• MS Winterberry (previously tested as MS-20W3), Meridian Seed

Download the full report here:

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Pulse Quality Survey

The Pulse Quality Survey is an annual report that provides a summary of the pulse crop quality for dry pea, lentil, and chickpea grown commercially in the USA. The quality samples are typically collected from major U.S. pulse-growing regions such as Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, and Washington. The quality testing, evaluation, and publication are conducted by Dr. Clifford Hall and his team at South Dakota State University. “The mission of the pulse quality program is to provide industry, academic, and government personnel with readily accessible data on pulse quality and to provide science-based evidence for the utilization of pulses as whole food and as ingredients in food products” (cited from the 2022 U.S. Pulse Quality Survey).

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Pulse Crop Podcast: Growing Pulse Crops

This show distills the latest research, agronomy insights, and market intelligence on pulse crops—including peas, chickpeas, and lentils—curated by the Pulse Crop Working Group.

Listen to Growing Pulse Crops →

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Legume Virus Project – “Aphid Tracker”

This project was established in 2007 to provide decision support and seasonal monitoring of pea aphids and viruses in the Palouse region of North Idaho and Eastern Washington. In this project, aphids are monitored with a network of field-side pan traps and the data are provided on a weekly basis on the project website. Aphids are tested for viruses and those results are also posted. Dr. Sanford Eigenbrode and his team at University of Idaho and collaborators have been conducting the project. Get weekly aphid and virus risk updates →

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Pulse Samples for Research

Are you conducting a pulse research project and in need of seeds or products to conduct your studies? If so, please fill out our product request form and we’ll do our best to help you get what you need!

Product Request Form Download fillable form here.