October 1, NIFA celebrated our tenth anniversary. Ten years ago, we replaced the former Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service when Congress established NIFA through the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. As USDA’s extramural research funding agency, NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and Extension and seeks to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. To know where we are headed for the next ten years and beyond, we must first know our past. Read the full USDA blog.

Photo of Dr. Angle by Tyler Jones, IFAS, courtesy of University of Florida.

USDA Career Opportunities Expo

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will hold a Career Opportunities Expo Nov. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kansas State University Olathe campus. From those seeking an internship to those seeking an “encore career,” this event is perfect for anyone who is interested in working for ERS or NIFA in Kansas City. Both agencies recently relocated to the area and are seeking qualified candidates for a variety of positions. Candidates can apply for job openings on the usajobs.gov website as opportunities become available. Find more NIFA career opportunities on our website.  

Join Our Team

NIFA is currently recruiting for the position of Deputy Director for the Office of Grants and Financial Management. The incumbent serves as a principal advisor to the NIFA Director in evaluating, planning, directing, and coordinating all activities related to the mission and function of NIFA, in execution of policies, and in the allocation of resources to carry out these policies. The position is currently posted on USA Jobs. All applications must be received by October 28, 2019. Find more NIFA career opportunities on our website.  

NIFA, Cooperative Extension, & APLU Award Top Honors in Extension Excellence and Diversity

Recognizing visionary leadership and diversity in educational programming, NIFA, Cooperative Extension, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities recently announced that Matthew Devereaux, of the University of Tennessee, will receive the 2019 Excellence in Extension Award, and two Iowa State University-led teams will receive the National Extension Diversity Award.

“NIFA is proud to support the national network of extension experts and educators through our land-grant institution partnership,” said NIFA Director J. Scott Angle. “This collaboration brings science-based knowledge to farmers, ranchers, and community members to help them grow their businesses, raise healthy families, and support their communities.” Read the full announcement.

NIFA, Cooperative Extension, and APLU Award Top Honors in Extension Excellence and Diversity. Image of award trophy, courtesy of Getty Images.

NIFA Announces $1.89 Million Investment Supporting Rural Small Businesses and Communities

NIFA Director J. Scott Angle announced recently the Agency’s $1.89 million investment in small business research grants. “It is great to support rural small business. These business will use their investment to create something that will help farmers and ranchers throughout the country,” said Angle. “NIFA helps rural businesses create and commercialize new innovative ideas and existing technology, products, or processes that ultimately will strengthen America’s rural communities.” Read the full SBIR announcement.

NIFA Announces Its $1.89 Million Investment to Support Rural Small Businesses and Communities. Image of man holding tablet in farm field, courtesy of Getty Images.

USDA Invests $11 Million In Research that Supports Specialty Crop Farmers

U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Scott Hutchins announced recently that NIFA has invested $11 million in research that will support specialty crop farmers. “This collaborative public-private research effort will focus on applying innovative solutions to pest management problems that often are otherwise not available to specialty crop farmers,” said Hutchins, who leads USDA’s Research, Education and Economics mission area. “Practical and economic crop management solutions may make all the difference between thriving and just surviving financially during the growing season.” Read the full press release.

USDA Invests $11M In Research that Will Support Specialty Crop Farmers. Image of a specialty crop harvest of tree nuts and dried fruits, courtesy of Getty Images.

Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has advanced tremendously and today promises personalized healthcare; enhanced national security; improved transportation; and more effective education, to name just a few benefits. Increased computing power, the availability of large datasets and streaming data, and algorithmic advances in machine learning have made it possible for AI development to create new sectors of the economy and revitalize industries. Continued advancement, enabled by sustained federal investment and channeled toward issues of national importance, holds the potential for further economic impact and quality-of-life improvements. Read the full Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes funding opportunity.

Funding opportunities graphic, courtesy of Getty Images.