WASHINGTON, September 30, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today partnered with the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR) to promote three recommended projects for funding through the Nutrition Next Generation Agri-Food Breakthroughs (Innovations). The project was announced. challenge). Innovation Challenge funds Columbia University and the University of British Columbia with $500,000 each and From the Land LLC with $150,000 for innovative project ideas and potential impact on agricultural transformation I plan to.
This $1.15 million financial investment is part of USDA’s Innovation Challenge, which aims to advance high-risk, high-reward research through innovation at the intersection of nutrition security, equity and justice, and climate-smart agriculture. It’s part of the process.
Learn more about each of the three projects below.
The Columbia University project, in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico, will support historically underserved producers in Puerto Rico to grow climate-resilient traditional rice with sustainable management practices, while at the same time Create new local market opportunities. The University of British Columbia project, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), aims to increase the access and availability of highly perishable fresh agricultural products during the post-harvest process. Developing new coatings adapted to climate. From the Land, LLC’s project will fortify mealworms to increase the amount of essential fats in poultry feed, thereby improving the quality of essential fats in poultry products, including chicken and eggs.
With a focus on the next generation of researchers, USDA and FFAR are recommending funding for these three highly creative and promising projects. The Innovation Challenge received 91 entries from academia, federal government, industry, and commodity groups from 10 countries.
“USDA challenged researchers to respond with innovative ideas to disrupt current paradigms and transform approaches in food and agricultural science,” said USDA Chief Scientist and Research, Education, and Economics said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Undersecretary for Responsibility. “The selected Innovation Award projects are true trailblazers and pioneers, paving the way for our future.”
This co-investment will support interdisciplinary teams led by young scientists (scientists who have completed their PhDs within the past 10 years) to accelerate new discoveries and mobilize innovative research that simultaneously addresses the most important societal challenges. provide funding.
“We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to this unique call for young scientists to support high-risk, high-return research,” said Dr. Sahara Moon Chapotin, FFAR Executive Director. said. “We look forward to seeing the results of the three projects recommended for funding and continuing FFAR’s long-standing commitment to investing in the development of future food and agricultural scientists. .”
This global funding race will advance scientific research that will lead to major advances in nutrition security while mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting equity for underserved communities.
These scientific innovations represent creative ideas that can transform American agriculture. Each of these projects is part of the USDA Scientific Research Strategy, 2023 – 2026: Fostering Scientific Innovation (S&RS) (PDF, 21.4 MB) and aligns with FFAR priority areas.
USDA and FFAR made the announcement today during the USDA Science Showcase & Innovation Challenge Reveal virtual event. The event was a celebration of USDA science, highlighting breakthrough solutions made possible by both long-standing and new investments in public agricultural research and development.
Due to the many potentially innovative projects submitted through this opportunity, FFAR is interested in seeking additional funding partners whose research goals align with these projects. FFAR invites interested prospective funding partners to review the narrated PowerPoints by the finalists on the USDA-FFAR Innovation Challenge webpage and to contact FFAR’s Partnership & Development Team (development@foundationfar) with any projects they are interested in. .org).
USDA touches the lives of all Americans in so many positive ways every day. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Agriculture will focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for all producers, and ensuring safe and healthy food production in all communities. We are transforming the U.S. food system by ensuring access to nutritious food and creating new food production systems. Secure markets and income streams for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, make historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capacity in rural America, and remove systemic barriers. , is committed to ensuring equity across the Department by building a workforce that is more representative of America. For more information, please visit www.usda.gov.
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research that addresses food and agriculture’s big challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase investment in public agricultural research, fill knowledge gaps, and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a strong return on taxpayer investment. Through collaborations and partnerships, FFAR advances practical science that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment. Connection: @FoundationFAR.
