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Making a Difference
 Farmers in a rice field. Image courtesy of LSU AgCenter.
NIFA-Funded Researchers Aim to Develop Climate-Resilient Rice
Louisiana State University (LSU) has been awarded a $10 million grant from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to improve sustainability and profitability of rice farming through research innovations that advance climate-resilient crops. It is the largest grant for rice research the LSU AgCenter has received.
The project’s collaborating institutions include Clemson University, Mississippi State University, Texas A&M AgriLife, and the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
The project is one of seven recently announced by NIFA and is funded by NIFA’s Sustainable Agricultural Systems program, which made a total investment of $70 million in sustainable agricultural projects that integrate research, education and Extension efforts. The goal is to establish robust, resilient and climate-smart food and agricultural systems. Read more about this project and its goals.
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News from NIFA
NIFA Seeks 2023 Hall of Fame and Partnership Award Nominees
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is seeking nominations for its Hall of Fame and Partnership Awards. Hall of Fame inductees have demonstrated a measurable and positive impact on the lives of citizens and NIFA's mission to invest in and advance agricultural research, education and Extension to solve societal challenges. Learn more at the NIFA Hall of Fame Awards web page. Nominations must be emailed to AdminOpsTeam.NIFA@usda.gov no later than May 15. Include “NIFA Hall of Fame Award Nomination” in the subject line.
NIFA also invites all Land-grant Universities, cooperating institutions and organizations supported by NIFA to submit nominations for the 2023 NIFA Partnership Awards Program. Complete details, instructions and forms can be found on the NIFA Partnership Award webpage. Nomination must be submitted by May 15 to performance@ars.usda.gov and include "NIFA Partnership Award Nomination" in subject line.
Award recipients will be recognized at the NIFA Day of Appreciation.
Golden trophy award, courtesy of Adobe Stock.
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Engaging Community Volunteers Helps Reduce Food Insecurity in Montana
In Montana, one in 10 individuals experiences food insecurity and 92% of adults do not meet vegetable intake recommendations. Growing Together Montana is a collaboration between the Montana State University Extension Nutrition Education Program and the Montana Master Gardener Program that addresses food insecurity. Learn more about how this group and its partners are improving food access in the state.
Box of fresh produce.
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
Read More:
Impacts of NIFA-funded research and Extension programs on our Blog page.
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 NIFA Grants Writing Technical Assistance Workshop graphic.
For more information or to register, go online. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Neerja Tyagi at Neerja.tyagi1@usda.gov.
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Award Announcement
USDA Invests Over $46 Million in Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today an investment of more than $46 million in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which has funded farmer-driven grants and grassroots education programs resulting in climate-smart solutions for farms and ranches in every state and island protectorate since 1988.
These 10-year awards are being made by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in four regional SARE host institutions and the National Reporting, Coordinating, and Communications Office (NRCCO). Grant recipients are the University of Minnesota (North Central SARE Regional Host Institution); University of Vermont (Northeast SARE Regional Host Institution); University of Georgia (Southern SARE Regional Host Institution); Montana State University (Western SARE Regional Host Institution); and University of Maryland (NRCCO).
SARE operates in four regions (North Central, Northeast, South, and West), with each regional program hosted by a Land-grant Institution. Each region is guided by volunteer Administrative Councils that make grants and set regional priorities. Read more about the SARE grant award.
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NIFA webinar graphic.
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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.
NIFA Career Opportunity graphic.
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Impact of NIFA-Funded Research and Outreach
Research Reveals Dual Nature of Beneficial Bacteria
Alfalfa is known as a protein-rich food source for dairy cattle that is easily digested and can lead to increased milk production. But it can be susceptible to common fungal diseases that can limit crop yields.
A recent paper published in Plants by University of Delaware plant biologist Harsh Bais and postdoctoral researcher Amanda Rosier has shown that UD1022, a UD-patented beneficial bacteria, can protect alfalfa plants from fungal pathogens that cause plant disease. Learn more about this NIFA supported research.
University of Delaware (UD) researcher Amanda Rosier is lead author on two papers discussing the behavior of a UD-patented beneficial bacterium that can help protect alfalfa from fungal pathogens. Image courtesy of University of Delaware.
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News from USDA
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Historic Funding to Expand Access to Trees and Green Spaces in Disadvantaged Urban Communities
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the availability of $1 billion in grants to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces in urban and community forests where more than 84% of Americans live, work and play.
The funding announced today is part of a $1.5 billion investment in the USDA’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The grant funding is available to community-based organizations, tribes, municipal and state governments, nonprofit partners, universities, and other eligible entities. Read more about this program.
USDA graphic symbol.
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LinkedIn Post of the Week
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The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any NIFA event, please contact the appropriate Program staff no later than 10 days prior to the event. To find Program staff by event, please visit the NIFA Calendar of Events. NIFA Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. If you need interpretation or translation services please visit NIFA language services or contact Lois Tuttle, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov or (443) 386-9488 no later than 10 days prior to the event.
NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and Extension that solves societal challenges. NIFA’s investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture. Keep informed about NIFA, USDA, our Land-grant and non-Land-grant university partners, and stakeholders with the NIFA Update. Read past issues online, sign up for email updates or follow us on Twitter @USDA_NIFA, #NIFAImpacts or LinkedIn @usda-nifa.
If you wish to submit a news item or information, send an email to NIFAUpdate.
USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer.
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