NIFA

USDA is investing $9.5 million to support the scale-up of sustainable bioproduct manufacturing in the U.S.  Three projects are getting funded through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Bioproduct Pilot Program.  The program presents an opportunity to spur economic activity in the nation’s rural areas while lowering commercialization risks associated with bringing biobased products to

Earlier this week, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced an investment of nearly $10 million through the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program.  The funding, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, bolsters USDA’s food and nutrition security efforts.  Specifically, the f...

Ag Research was the Farm Bill title before the Senate Ag Committee this week, as USDA and other witnesses testified on the need to fund cutting-edge Ag research, the power behind modern, high-tech agriculture.  USDA research chief Chavonda Jacobs-Young told lawmakers research in need of funding has largely been ignored over the past couple of Farm Bills.   “...

The USDA is accepting applications for a new pilot program to support the development of biobased products.  Specifically, the Department of Ag is looking for products that have lower carbon footprints and increase the use of renewable agricultural materials, creating new revenue streams for farmers.  Th...

The Federal Government provides 64% of public agricultural research and development funding in the United States. ERS released new data this week on ag research, showing state governments and non-governmental sources, including funds generated by universities, account for the other 36% of funds for public agricultural R&D. F ...

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced an investment of more than $15 million to support building new and better markets for American ag and rural communities. “These critical research investments support the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of agriculture and rural communities,” said NIFA Director Carrie Castille. “Outcomes ...

The Centers for Disease Control is expressing gratitude to the nation’s Cooperative Extension Service for helping address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in rural America. Extension educators have worked to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. ...

USDA’s this week announced an investment of more than $50 million to 140 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers. The funds will support curriculum creation, informational materials, and professional development for new farmers and ranchers through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. ...

On Wednesday, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced $25 million for 50 grants supporting Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network State Department of Agriculture projects. The USDA said long before the pandemic caused an increase in stress around the world, stress-related mental health was already a rising concern across farm communities coast to coast. ...

The USDA has provided $12 million for Hispanic-serving Institutions of higher education. Last week’s announcement was part of a launch of the first in a series of virtual roundtable engagement sessions with Minority-serving Institutions and Land-grant Universities serving underrepresented students. The ...