West Virginia University Professor Working to Lower THC Levels in Industrial Hemp

While the kind of hemp that's grown in West Virginia does not contain the level of the psychoactive substance present in its cousin, marijuana, it does contain a trace, sometimes more. A West Virginia University (WVU) professor hopes to help farmers and growers better understand why this may be and how to keep levels low, which will allow farmers to profit from the useful crop without triggering federal drug-enforcement agencies. West Virginia University Assistant Professor, Michael Gutensohn, will be studying what environmental factors lead to an accumulation of THC in the plant. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Gutensohn a $200,000 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant to study industrial hemp for two years. For more information, read the WVU article.

NIFA is Seeking NPL Candidates

NIFA has a standing vacancy posting on USAJobs that we hope will fill several National Program Leader (NPL) positions. These are our agency’s science program leaders; whose salary range is $92,159 to $166,535 per year. We have significant gaps in the following areas:

• Ag Economics
• Veterinary Sciences
• Undergraduate Education
• Soil Science
• Small Business Innovation Research
• Food Safety
• 4-H
• Rural Sociology
• Horticultural Sciences

For the best possible consideration, candidates should apply before the end of July via the NIFA Biological/Social Science Specialist (National Program Leader) vacancy listed at USAJobs. Please see the National Program Leader FAQ document for answers to commonly asked questions generated by our most recent career Expo.

USDA Announces $15 Million in Funding Opportunities to Support Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced approximately $15 million in available funding to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program). The program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement. For more information, read the USDA press release.

USDA's Food Box Program Aims to Help People Weather the Pandemic

USDA's Farmers to Families Food Box Program is aimed at helping people weather difficulties brought on by the pandemic. USDA’s Stephanie Ho talks with Agricultural Marketing Service’s David Cottrell about the Food Box program. For more information, listen to the USDA broadcast.

NIFA Career Opportunities

We are hiring! Remember to check out NIFA's Career Opportunities webpage, where there is a direct link to all open positions. You can also explore NIFA jobs at the USAjobs.gov website. Current openings in Kansas City, Missouri:

Internal Controls Officer, GS 13
Closing date: 07/23/2020

Staff Accountant, GS 13
Closing date: 7/23/2020  

Lead Staff Accountant, GS 13
Closing date: 07/27/2020

Supervisory Policy Analyst, GS 14
Closing date: 7/28/2020                 

Biological/Social Science Specialist (National Program Leader), GS 13-15
Closing date: 9/30/2020

Pine Wood Fiber Shows Promise as an Alternative Growing Material

Increasing transportation costs, concerns over the environmental sustainability of peat harvesting processes, and occasional shortages of peat and perlite have increased the need for alternative growing materials, which are called substrates, for ornamental plant growers. New research from the University of New Hampshire (UNH), led by researcher Crysta Harris, shows amending traditional soilless substrates with pine wood fiber has great potential as an alternative material for the state’s floriculture industry. Harris’ research shows the feasibility of amending soilless substrates with about 20 to 40 percent wood fiber, by volume, without drastic effects on plant performance or the need to change any major cultural growing practices. This work is supported by the UNH Agricultural Experiment Station through joint funding from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the state of New Hampshire. For more information, read the UNH article.

 Wood fiber materials have been used in Europe since the 1980s, and they are gaining market share among North American floriculture operations. Photo courtesy of UNH.

Treated Wastewater May Be the Irrigation Wave of the Future

Approximately one-half of 1 percent of the planet’s water is drinkable, and we use that water for much more than drinking – showering, brushing our teeth, watering our grass, etc. Consumer usage, however, pales in comparison to the amount of water needed to irrigate our crops.

According to USDA’s Economic Research Service, agriculture accounts for more than 80 percent of the nation's water consumption. With the need to feed a growing population, scientists from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are looking for ways to safely expand agriculture’s supply of usable water. For more information, read the USDA article.

USDA-ARS soil scientist Clinton Williams draws water samples from a large lysimeter installed under the turf while microbiologist Jean McLain collects soil samples to assess downward bacterial transport from the surface. Photo by Stephen Ausmus.

Rapid Response: Formal and Non-Formal Educational Experiences in Food and Agricultural Sciences During the Time of Social Distancing Program Priority Area

NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Education and Workforce Development program includes a new program area priority to address the need to develop and deploy rapid, reliable, and readily-adoptable strategies in workforce preparation through formal K-14 education, as well as in youth development through non-formal education to cultivate interest and competencies in STEM and agriculture during this challenging time. Interested applicants are invited to register for an informational webinar on July 28, noon (ET). For more information contact Carlos Ortiz or Emma Moran.