NIFA Update - April 13, 2022

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Editor:  Lori Tyler Gula, PhD                                                                          April 13, 2022

Making a Difference

Honeycrisp apples, courtesy of Adobe Stock.

Honeycrisp apples, courtesy of Adobe Stock.

Solving the Honeycrisp Apple Ancestry Mystery

Ancestry tests aren’t just for people or pets anymore. Thanks to DNA-based tracking, NIFA-supported researchers at the University of Minnesota (U of M) have finally traced the family tree of the Honeycrisp apple — one of the top 10 varieties produced in the United States. Recently published in HortScience, the findings are the result of sifting through thousands of DNA markers to unwind the pedigrees of many of the U of M’s best apple cultivars. Researchers were able to follow the roots back to European ancestral varieties and the first days of the U of M apple breeding program, which began in 1908 at the Horticultural Research Center.

News From NIFA

Reporting system graphic, courtesy of Adobe Stock.

Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results Now Available in NRS

NIFA is pleased to announce that the new Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results, required as part of Plan of Work reporting, is now available in the NIFA Reporting System (NRS). The new format reduces report assembly time by automatically pulling in results from across the portfolio. The report then allows Land-grant Universities to highlight the most significant accomplishments from the year through a streamlined process. NIFA users will be able to both view annual reports once LGUs have submitted them and conduct reviews and approvals. In addition, several key features improve the overall performance and user experience, including:

  • Annual Report – New features enable LGUs to highlight key results from their research and Extension activities. The Annual Report Builder guides users through a series of views that allow them to provide updates on their Plan of Work, overall progress against the Critical Issues, and highlight submitted results. Project result details will be organized and labeled according to research, Extension, multistate and integrated. Reviewers will see a simplified view of the highlighted results that is easy to review and approve.
  • Project/Program Dashboard Updates – Users will be able to sort results through multiple dynamic filters when reviewing and searching for projects.
  • System and Design Improvements – Project results can now be updated after the associated Critical Issue is changed. Additionally, the full name of states and territories will appear for Hatch Multistate projects.

The NRS team will keep NIFA and LGU users updated as we continue to develop the application and add new functionality. For any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to nrs@usda.gov and see our FAQs here.

Reporting system graphic, courtesy of Adobe Stock.


World Health Day graphic, courtesy of NIFA.

NIFA Celebrates World Health Day

Every year on World Health Day, NIFA highlights the many ways its programs and partnerships help to advance human and environmental well-being. This year’s theme, “Our planet, our health,” focuses attention on the steps we all can take to ensure the health of people and the planet, both of which are USDA priority areas. 

World Health Day graphic, courtesy of NIFA.


National Beer Day graphic, courtesy of NIFA.

National Beer Day: Brewing Up Markets for Spent Grain

Americans brew and drink a lot of beer. Approximately 202 million barrels of beer are produced domestically per year. That alcohol requires fermentable sugars, which come predominantly from malted barley. Barley starts as a highly nutritious grain, known to be rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. After the brewing industry borrows it to extract the least nutritious portion of the grain, what can be done with the leftover 4.7 million metric wet tons of a nutritionally potent grain known as brewers spent grain? In celebration of National Beer Day, learn more about how NIFA-funded scientists are working on ways to utilize this rich resource to create new and better markets.

National Beer Day graphic, courtesy of NIFA.


Managing Pest Through IPM graphic, courtesy of NIFA.

Combining Methods to Better Managing Pests

To combat pests and pest resistance, farmers and other producers are incorporating Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches into their crop management practices. With IPM, multiple techniques—from the use of chemicals or biological controls to cultural practices or mechanical devices—are strategically used together to prevent pests from becoming a problem. During National Pest Management Month, learn more about NIFA-funded research on pest management.

Managing Pest Through IPM graphic, courtesy of NIFA.


National Financial Capability Month graphic courtesy of NIFA.

NIFA Celebrates Financial Capability Month

Since 2003, April has been designated National Financial Capability Month, with the goal of educating consumers about finances and helping them improve their personal and household financial stability. More than half of Americans report living paycheck to paycheck and experiencing financial crisis because of inadequate savings, too much debt and poor planning. NIFA coordinates with expert partners to help people acquire the knowledge, skills, and motivation they need to build financial security - the cornerstone of prosperous communities, nurturing neighborhoods, and strong families. For more information, read this NIFA blog.

National Financial Capability Month graphic, courtesy of NIFA.


Invitation to Help Identify Regional and National Investments for Rural Recovery and Development

The four Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDCs) are leading an effort to identify the issues diverse rural stakeholders see as top priorities for rural recovery and development. The RRDCs invite research and Extension directors and administrators, and their community partners, to participate in both a Regional Session (broad local context) and National Topic (issues of national importance) Sessions. Please register to participate. The 90-minute, free sessions will run through April 26.


NIFA Career Opportunities LinkedIn graphic.

NIFA Career Opportunities

We are hiring! NIFA recruits a diverse group of talented, creative, motivated professionals who are invested in shaping the future of food and agricultural science. We offer a variety of benefits and services to our employees that focus on work-life balance, career enhancement, and health and well-being. NIFA has career opportunities in a variety of scientific disciplines covering engineering, food science, forestry, education, animal and crop sciences, and many other agriculture-related disciplines. NIFA job openings are listed on USAJobs. Current NIFA job openings are for Kansas City, Missouri, or location negotiable after selection.

Supervisory Biological Science Specialist (GS-15)
Closing Date: May 3, or when we have received 150 applications.
View the job announcement.

Career Opportunities graphic, courtesy of NIFA.

News From USDA

USDA graphic symbol

USDA Announces Intent to Establish Subcommittee on Rural Community Economic Development for its Equity Commission

The USDA has announced it will establish a Rural Community Economic Development (RCED) Subcommittee as part of the recently launched Equity Commission. Nominations and applications for membership to the RCED Subcommittee are due on May 6.


Poultry Industry Biosecurity Can't Be Emphasized Enough

USDA officials say that, for the poultry industry right now, there's no such thing as too much biosecurity. 


White Tail Deer courtesy of the USDA.

USDA Blog: NIFA-Funded Study Detects Omicron Variant in White-Tailed Deer

Scientists studying the spread of coronavirus in white-tailed deer have detected the presence of the omicron variant, confirming for researchers that animals should continue being monitored for the virus. In a study funded by NIFA, investigators at Pennsylvania State University found the variant in the nasal swabs of seven deer in Staten Island. The swabs were tested between December 13, 2021, and Jan. 31.

Scientists studying the spread of coronavirus in white-tailed deer have detected the presence of the omicron variant, courtesy of  USDA.

Federal Register Notice

This amendment to NIFA regulations updates the list of institutions that are granted Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACU) certification by the Secretary and are eligible for HSACU programs for the period starting Oct. 1, 2021, and ending Sept. 30.

Impact of NIFA-Funded Research and Outreach

Fruits and vegetables, courtesy of Shutterstock.

New NIFA-NIDDK Collaboration Sprouts New Dietary Biomarker Centers

What’s the effect of an apple a day? Is that effect the same for everyone? A new NIFA-National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) collaboration  moves us closer to answering these and other complex questions that are posed in the Strategic Plan for National Institutes of Health Nutrition Research. Bringing together large multidisciplinary teams and establishing three new research centers, the goal of the Dietary Biomarker Development Consortium is to first detect the signals in the body that confirms someone ate an apple.

Fruits and vegetables, courtesy of Shutterstock.


Research guided by an agricultural economist at Penn State explored tariff and nontariff barriers in the seafood trade. Courtesy of Pexels.

Study Examines if Something 'Fishy' Is Happening with Seafood Imports

Reducing tariffs on imported goods is meant to remove trade barriers, but it doesn’t seem to be helping the seafood industry, which has experienced the same, if not more, import rejections and notifications at borders, according to Penn State researchers. The NIFA-supported study, which explored tariff and nontariff barriers in the seafood trade, also documented the reasons for products held at the borders, including food safety concerns. The scientists say their results can help policymakers design standardized trade rules that reduce differences in member countries’ interpretation and implementation of import notifications.

Research guided by an agricultural economist at Penn State explored tariff and nontariff barriers in the seafood trade. Courtesy of Pexels.


Tobacco thrips with Plant Armor. Courtesy of Grayson Cave of NC State.

In ‘Plant Armor’ Crop Cover, Insects Have to Navigate Textile Maze

With support from NIFA, North Carolina State University researchers designed a textile “Plant Armor” that forces insects to navigate a maze-like path if they try to reach a plant. The design was more effective at blocking insects from reaching cabbage plants in multiple experiments, compared with an alternative crop cover. Based on their findings, researchers said the Plant Armor could provide a more effective, chemical-free alternative for insect protection.

Tobacco thrips with Plant Armor. Courtesy of Grayson Cave with NC State.

Application Deadlines

Upcoming Events

NIFA webinar graphic. 

Live FAQ Session: Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agriculture Systems The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems program area priority is designed to rapidly identify and implement strategies to protect the nation’s food and agricultural supply chains and the people who support them during and after extreme weather events. Join NIFA on April 25 at 3:30 p.m. EDT to learn more about this program area priority and meet our team during a live FAQ event.

NIFA webinar graphic. 


Navigating the Landscape of Selected NIFA Funding Opportunities

National Program Leaders will discuss education and Extension-related funding opportunities. Faculty, staff, graduate students and other stakeholders from institutions and organizations interested in NIFA funding opportunities are encouraged to attend. This webinar on April 21 at noon EDT, is co-sponsored by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. 

Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program RFA Webinar (Part 1)

NIFA staff for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) will host the first of a two-part webinar for applicants interested in applying to the competitive GusNIP program on April 25 at 3 p.m. EDT. The webinar will focus on the FY 2022 GusNIP Request for Applications (RFA), general program guidelines, GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information (NTAE) Center’s Nutrition Incentive Hub free one-on-one support, and the required core firm-level and participant-level metrics. Register for part one of the webinar here.

Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program RFA Webinar (Part 2)

NIFA staff for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) will host the second of a two-part webinar for applicants interested in applying to the competitive GusNIP program on April 26 at 3 p.m. EDT. The webinar will focus on the FY 2022 GusNIP Request for Applications (RFA), general program guidelines, GusNIP NTAE Center’s Nutrition Incentive Hub free one-on-one support, and the required core firm-level and participant-level metrics. Register for part two of the webinar here.

Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program: Overview, Impacts and Opportunities

The April edition of NIFA’s Nutrition Security Webinar Series is an overview of the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which provides funding opportunities to conduct and evaluate projects providing incentives to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by income-eligible consumers. GusNIP was designed to bring together stakeholders from various parts of the food and health care systems to help foster understanding to improve the health and nutrition status of participating individuals and households, facilitate growth in states and tribes with low participation, as well as collect and aggregate data to identify and improve best practices on a broad scale. The Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, which oversees the evaluation of GusNIP as the lead of the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center, will share promising nutrition and economic impacts from the first two years of the program. Both NIFA and NTAE panelists will highlight opportunities going forward and utilize breakout groups to answer questions. Register for this 90-minute webinar on April 26, at 3:30 p.m. EDT.

NIFA Stakeholder Listening Session: Postponed

The virtual NIFA stakeholder listening session on future priorities for NIFA research, education, and Extension programs that was previously announced to take place on April 27, has been postponed. More details and a new date will be shared, once confirmed.

Listening Session: Bioproduct Pilot Program
(Please Note Time Change)

NIFA invites the public to participate in a virtual listening session on April 28, at 4 p.m. EDT for the Bioproduct Pilot Program. This new program will invest $5 million for each of FY 2022 and FY 2023 to study the benefits of using materials derived from covered agricultural commodities in construction and consumer products. This virtual listening session is part of the program’s public comment period, which closes at 5 p.m. EDT May 5.  Comments received will be used to help shape the program’s Request for Applications. Visit the NIFA program page for more information about the program.


Closer to Zero USDA-REE webinar graphic.

Closer to Zero: Impacts of Toxic Element Exposure and Nutrition in the Food System

USDA will host this virtual public meeting on April 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT to convene government officials and researchers, stakeholders, industry and other interested parties to discuss the scope of the Closer to Zero action plan as it relates to the impacts of toxic element exposure and nutrition throughout the Food System. Register now.

Closer to Zero graphic, courtesy of USDA.


Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project logo.

Making Climate-Smart Agriculture Work

The NIFA-funded Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project will host a national conference May 24-26 on Making Climate-Smart Agriculture Work. The focus of the virtual conference is to share information and best practices regarding integrating science, modeling, and economics to help farmers, ranchers and foresters mitigate and adapt to the challenges of climate change.

AgMIP graphic.


Family Well-Being: Navigating the Social Justice Landscape logo.

OneOp Presents an Online Learning Experience: “Family Well-Being: Navigating the Social Justice Landscape”

In June, take advantage of this multidisciplinary approach to a complex issue facing service providers working with military families. Through convenient courses offered asynchronously, the 2022 Military Families Readiness Academy will focus on individuals’ understanding of social justice and equity, including their own understanding of privilege and oppression.

Family Well-Being: Navigating the Social Justice Landscape, courtesy of OneOp.


National Conference on Next-Generation Sustainable Technologies for Small-Scale Producers graphic.

Save the Date: National Conference on Next-Generation Sustainable Technologies for Small-Scale Producers

North Carolina A&T State University will host a National Conference on Next-Generation Sustainable Technologies for Small-Scale Producers September 7-9 at its Alumni Foundation Event Center. The conference is a collaboration between the university, NIFA and the Environmental Protection Agency. Please save the date. For more information, contact Dr. Godfrey Uzochukwu.

National Conference on Next-Generation Sustainable Technologies for Small-Scale Producers, courtesy of North Carolina A&T.

Award Announcements

NIFA Invests Nearly $18M in Second Round Funding for Small Business-Led Innovations

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced that it is doubling down on its small business innovation investments, extending almost $18 million in research funds to further develop transformative agricultural solutions. NIFA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program funds these research projects, each of which proposes an innovative or disruptive solution across nine topic areas ranging from food science and nutrition to conservation of natural resources. The program targets early-stage projects in the private sector poised to deliver significant public benefits and strengthens the role of federal research and development in support of small businesses, many of which are owned by women or historically underserved populations. “The projects we’re supporting with this new round of funding demonstrate scientific originality, technical feasibility and strong commercial potential,” said NIFA Acting Director Dr. Dionne Toombs. “With this research, our small business partners are helping to solve some of our most vexing agricultural problems.” About a quarter of the 28 grants announced today are going to women- or minority-owned businesses across the country, from Hawaii to Michigan to Maine. For more information, read complete press release.

NIFA Invests $7M in Data Science for Food and Agricultural Systems

NIFA is investing $7 million in 12 projects from FY2021 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative funds in innovative new approaches to artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture through the Data Science for Food and Agricultural Systems program. This program focuses on data science/AI to enable systems and communities to effectively utilize data, improve resource management, and integrate new technologies and approaches to further U.S. food and agriculture enterprises. 

NIFA Invests Nearly $8M in Novel Foods and Innovative Manufacturing Technologies

NIFA is investing nearly $8 million in 17 projects as part of the AFRI Novel Foods and Innovative Manufacturing Technologies program, which focuses on advancing food manufacturing competitiveness to ensure a more sustainable, resilient, and healthy food supply to consumers. It also seeks to develop novel foods and food ingredients and improve their quality, safety, and nutrition.

NIFA Invests Over $5M in Nanotechnology for Agriculture and Food Systems

NIFA is investing more than $5 million in 9 projects as part of the AFRI Nanotechnology for Agriculture and Food Systems program. This program supports nanotechnology-enabled solutions that improve agricultural and food production, food and nutrition security, sustainability, food safety, high value-added products, and agricultural water. Nanotechnology for Agriculture and Food Systems embraces a wide range of research opportunities facing agriculture and food systems to advance nanoscale science, engineering, and technology for addressing critical societal challenges.

NIFA In the News

Jiahan Zou, a UC Davis PhD graduate student, helped develop the new cooling cubes. Courtesy of Gregory Urquiaga with UC Davis.

CBS Mornings: Researchers in California Develop an Ice Cube that Doesn't Melt, Can Be Reused

As part of the Pushing the Limits series, Jonathan Vigliotti met with researchers at University of California, Davis to discuss the reusable, moldable and compostable ice cube they've developed called "jelly ice."

Jiahan Zou, a UC Davis PhD graduate student, is one of the researchers who helped develop the new cooling cubes. Courtesy of Gregory Urquiaga with UC Davis.


Tweet of the Week

Tweet of the week - It’s #WorldHealthDay! graphic

It’s #WorldHealthDay! See how #landgrantuniversities collaborate to keep humans & the planet healthy.

LinkedIn Post of the Week

Ashley Mueller LinkedIn graphic

Meet, Ashley Mueller!

Ashley is a national program leader for the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences Institute of Youth, Family and Community.

“I was ready to take the next step in my career journey, and I knew that the agency's goals aligned with my passions. I had enjoyed working with NIFA people over the years, and it seemed like a natural fit for my interests, skills, and background.”- Ashley

Interested in joining NIFA’s team? Check out our Career Opportunities page for current openings.