NIFA Update - Jan. 18, 2023

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Editor: Maggie Lawrence                                                                          January 18, 2023

NIFA Moving Ahead

NIFA Strategic Plan

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Dr. Dionne Toombs

We have launched the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022-2026. This plan will serve as our roadmap for the next five years to shape our decision-making and effectively and efficiently accomplish our critical priorities. I invite you to take some time to explore the NIFA Strategic Plan.

NIFA’s mission is to lead and fund programs that advance agriculture-related sciences. Our investments play a critical role in building the evidence base and translating the evidence into action to ensure all Americans have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable foods; our farmers, ranchers and producers have equitable access to markets; and we are protecting and enhancing our environment with climate-smart agricultural decisions.

In developing this Strategic Plan, we considered feedback from a wide range of external stakeholders, Land-grant Universities, other partners, and our dedicated employees through listening sessions, focus groups and surveys. This plan reflects the tremendous sharing of information, ideas, and thoughts.

We will regularly revisit the plan based on progress and input to meet evolving demands and new and important challenges.

We look forward to continued partnership to further strengthen research, education, and Extension- to best serve agriculture, communities, and society.

Dionne F. Toombs, Ph.D.
NIFA Acting Director

Upcoming Events

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Registration Now Open for 2023 Agricultural Outlook Forum

USDA’s 99th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum will be held in person at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott on February 23 - 24, and all sessions will be livestreamed.

More than 30 sessions and 100 agriculture leaders and subject matter experts will discuss key issues impacting the sector. Learn more about the Forum and register here.

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Award Announcements

NIFA Invests $2.5 Million in Foundational Knowledge of Plant Products

NIFA has announced the funding of $2.5 million for projects at three universities through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational Knowledge of Plant Products program. This program supports projects to study the synthesis of plant-derived, high-value chemicals and ingredients for use in foods, pharmaceuticals and other natural products. The intent of this program is for results to be translated into development of varieties that help create or meet emerging and future markets and contribute towards long-term demand for new agriculturally based industrial and food products.

Awardees: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Washington State University (two awards); and West Virginia University

Application Deadlines

NIFA Webinar

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Food and Agricultural Education Information System Presentation

On January 23 from 1 to 2 p.m. EST, Dr. Pete Ziegler will discuss the Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS). FAEIS is a federally mandated survey that compiles nationwide higher education data for life, food, veterinary, human, natural resources and agricultural sciences. This data includes student enrollment, degrees awarded, transfer, and placement at all degree levels by gender and race/ethnicity. FAEIS also collects faculty counts and salaries by gender, race/ethnicity and rank.

Dr. Ziegler and the FAEIS team will demonstrate the uses and impacts of this database and provide updates and their vision for its future use. Learn more and register here.

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