Regional Innovation and Demonstration of Climate-smart Agriculture for Future Farms (CAFF)

NIFA invites the public to participate in an informational webinar on Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m. EDT for the Regional Innovation and Demonstration of Climate-smart Agriculture for Future Farms (CAFF) program area priority, which is a new addition in this year’s AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Request for Applications. In addition to providing details about the funding opportunity, this webinar will also reserve time to respond to audience questions.

Webinar graphic, courtesy of NIFA.

Scientists Helping Build More Resilient Catfish Industry

U.S. catfish growers had sales of $421 million during 2021, up 12% from the previous year, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistical Service. The top four states (Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Texas) accounted for 97% of the nation’s total sales. With support from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, researchers at Land-grant Universities are conducting research that supports the catfish industry, the largest component of U.S. aquaculture, and helping to build a more resilient food system.

National Catfish Month graphic, courtesy of NIFA.

Read more:

About the impacts of NIFA-funded research — and the scientists who make it happen — on our Blogs page.

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.gov. Current NIFA job openings are for Kansas City, Missouri, or a location negotiable after selection, unless otherwise noted below.

National Program Leader (Biological Science Specialist), GS 13-14.
This vacancy, in the Plant Systems–Protection Division of NIFA’s Institute of Food Production and Sustainability, seeks candidates with expertise in molecular plant-microbe interactions. Closing Date: Sept. 6 or when we have received 200 applications. View the job announcement.

Career Opportunities graphic, courtesy of NIFA.

UF/IFAS Scientist Develops Detection Method for Lethal Palm Disease that Saves Time, Money, Property

A team of University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists has reached a milestone in the fight against a widespread disease that affects palms throughout the southeastern United States. Caused by a fungus, the lethal disease produces late-stage symptoms that require removal of the palm tree and surrounding soil. A UF/IFAS scientist in Fort Lauderdale has developed a first-of-its-kind diagnostic tool that detects the early stages of the disease – a critical step to managing the disease and saving the industry.

Braham Dhillon, a molecular plant pathologist at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, points to one of the symptoms of the disease, courtesy of UF/IFAS.

NDSU Develops Potato Variety Now Approved for McDonald’s World-Famous Fries

The most recent potato variety to join the list of approved McDonald’s potato varieties is the Dakota Russet, developed at North Dakota State University (NDSU) by Asunta Thompson, associate professor of plant science and potato breeder. The Dakota Russet has uniform, blocky tubers, creamy white flesh and golden russet skin that is well-suited for fry applications. The variety produces low sugars, which results in consistent french fry color and less undesired defects like dark ends.

Asunta Thompson, NDSU associate professor of plant science, has developed a potato variety that recently was selected for McDonald's french fries, courtesy of NDSU.

UConn 4-H’er Turns Astronomy Project into a Potential Career

A third-grade science project introduced Angela Bojarski, now 16, of Scotland, Connecticut, to astronomy, and she has loved the subject ever since. She joined University of Connecticut (UConn) 4-H five years ago and made astronomy her primary 4-H project. One of the hallmarks of the UConn 4-H program is that it provides youth with life transformative experiences and empowers them to choose the topic. The self-directed route of the 4-H program, along with guidance from her volunteer leader and UConn Extension 4-H educator, have helped Bojarski take her passion for astronomy down the path of a potential career.

Angela Bojarski, UConn 4-H member, courtesy of UConn.

USDA Investing $197M in Partner-Driven, Locally Led Conservation

USDA has announced it is awarding $197 million for 41 locally led conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages partner resources to advance innovative projects that address climate change, enhance water quality and address other critical challenges on agricultural land.

USDA graphic symbol.

Get to know the Miami-Dade County 4-H interns. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Agents, UF Scientists, along with local nonprofit organizations, and businesses have provided students with hands-on training in food systems, production, safety, nutrition and more. The Faces Of Urban Agriculture: Meet the 4-H Interns.

Get to know Trey Malone, an agricultural economist who works with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Malone has spent over a decade researching agricultural marketing issues and is now focused on developing technology that will help producers in regional food systems compete in a global marketplace.