Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Editor: Kelly Sprute                                                                                            July 25, 2018

Making a Difference

New England Streams Impacted by High Salt Concentrations

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) researchers estimate that more than 10 percent of streams in the Merrimack River watershed, which covers areas of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, are impacted by high chloride concentrations as a result of road salt applied during winter. Salt concentrations can be highest in the summer, raising concerns about harm to freshwater plants, invertebrates, amphibians, and fish.

“People place road salt, which consists mostly of sodium chloride, table salt, on our roads, sidewalks, and driveways to improve driving and walking conditions during the winter. As you know, salt dissolves very easily. Much of this enters groundwater, then slowly drains into rivers, which dominates flow during summer. The salt content of streams is often highest in summer, not winter,” said Shan Zuidema, a research scientist with the Water Systems Analysis Group at the UNH Earth Systems Research Center. Researchers found that, on average, about 11 percent of streams in the Merrimack River watershed are impacted by high salt concentrations. Read the full UNH impact.

NIFA News

USDA’s Undersecretary of Research, Education and Economics Selected U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the selection of Dr. Scott H. Hutchins to be Undersecretary of Research, Education and Economics (REE) for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Following the announcement, Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “I am very excited by the selection of Dr. Hutchins for this leadership role at USDA. His extensive background in research and commitment to sound science and data make him exceptionally qualified for this post, and I am eager to have Dr. Hutchins join the team."

Career Opportunity NIFA is recruiting for the position of Deputy Director of the Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition. This is a critical leadership position for NIFA and a permanent career SES position. The position is posted on USA Jobs and the NIFA website under Careers. The job announcement number is AG-22-2018-0064. All applications must be received by Aug. 9, 2018.

News for You

Connectivity: Key for High-Tech Farms The dizzying impact of the digital revolution on many sectors of society - from retail to law enforcement, politics and entertainment - has also altered the picture on California farms. With technology, farmers have found ways to reduce pesticide use, increase irrigation efficiency, reduce travel into the fields, manage people better, and deal with labor shortages, but more can be done. To connect farmers interested in ag innovations with researchers the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources created Verde Innovation Network for Entrepreneurship. The program launched a website, a place where farmers, food entrepreneurs, researchers and technology professionals may find the resources they need to build, launch, and grow agricultural innovations. Read the full UCAN article.

Award Notifications

NIFA Invests $5 Million in Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates

NIFA recently awarded 18 Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduate grants that will offer experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students in the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences across the nation. These hands-on educational experiences offer both research and extension training that will lead to a well-prepared and modern workforce that can fill expected gaps in the country’s food, agriculture, and related industries. These grants are part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). 

NIFA Invests $1.1 Million to Develop Agricultural Education Professionals

NIFA recently awarded eight Professional Development and Secondary School Teacher grants that will increase the number of K-14 teachers and educational professionals trained in the food and agricultural sciences. Teachers develop skills necessary for integrating food and agricultural science into their classes; explore food and agricultural science career paths; and forge mentorships with agricultural professionals, business leaders, and university faculty. Funded projects support best practices in teaching that enhance student learning outcomes. These grants are part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).

NIFA Invests $12.6 Million to Educate and Develop Agricultural Scientists and Professionals

NIFA recently awarded 101 Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship grants that support graduate and post-graduate education in agricultural related disciplines. These fellowships will develop new scientists and professionals to enter research, education, and extension fields within the food and agricultural sciences. The aim of these grants are to cultivate future industry, government, or academic leaders who are able to solve emerging agricultural challenges of the 21st century. These grants are a part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).

RFA Grant Announcements

Substance Abuse Program at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas

INIFA requests applications for the Substance Abuse Program at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas for fiscal year 2018 to provide drug and alcohol abuse prevention education for military personnel and families, Department of Defense civilians, reserve components, and retirees at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Read the full request for applications announcement. 

NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. NIFA’s investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture.

If you wish to submit a news item or information, send an email to NIFAUpdate.

USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer.