|
Making a Difference
U.S.-Ireland Research Partnership Aims to Solve Critical Agricultural Issues
In 2006, the United States, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland launched a research and development partnership to accelerate economic development and cooperation across borders by encouraging trilateral research collaboration. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Republic of Ireland Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs added agriculture as a partnership priority area.
With funding from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, researchers from the U.S., Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are working to solve critical agricultural issues of concern to all three countries as part of this trilateral research collaboration. Read more about the results of this partnership.
Cows and calves at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska, are part of the research study. Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS.
|
|
|
Research, Education and Extension Efforts Improve Livestock Health
Animal agriculture comprises a large portion of U.S. agriculture. Livestock, including poultry, comprise about 48% of all U.S. agricultural value according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture.
NIFA has a large livestock program portfolio. Supported by these programs, Land-grant Universities provide critical assistance to the nation’s livestock producers searching for strategies to protect animal health and enhance productivity and profitability. Read more about some recent projects at Land-grant Universities across the country.
Beef cattle in a pasture. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
National Science Foundation Seeking Information on Research and Educator Use Cases for NAIRR
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds the potential to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation. However, researchers and institutions may lack the necessary access to the resources needed to fully conduct AI research activities and train the next generation of researchers.
National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) was created to provide a shared national research infrastructure. NAIRR will attempt to bridge the capability gap by connecting U.S. researchers to responsible and trustworthy AI resources, as well as the needed computational, data, software, training, and educational resources to advance research, discovery and innovation.
As a first step to achieve this goal, the National Science Foundation is gathering current and anticipated research and education use cases for the NAIRR Pilot and to also identify current and anticipated challenges and barriers that researchers and educators may face in accessing and using AI resources and tools for their activities.
To submit information addressing these topics, individuals working in research and education can submit responses using an online submission form. The deadline to respond is March 31.
|
|
|
Texas A&M Researchers Engineering a Coating for Disease-Free Produce
The global fruit and vegetable market loses over 50% of agricultural fruit production during various stages of produce handling and post-harvest treatments.
Many fruits and vegetables already have a layer of food-grade wax that is applied for cosmetic reasons and to prevent water loss. Texas A&M University researchers are investigating how these waxes when combined with nano-encapsulated cinnamon-bark essential oil offer antibacterial properties. The wax coating technology bolsters the safety of fresh produce and provides enhanced protection against bacteria and fungi. This composite coating provides both immediate and delayed antibacterial effects. Read more about this research that is supported by NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative funding.
Produce on display in a market. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
|
|
|
Applications for USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants Due April 9
USDA is accepting applications for grants to support urban agriculture and innovative production. Applications for USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grants are due April 9 via grants.gov. Learn more about this program here.
|
|
Demystifying the Panel Review Process for Grant Funding
Have you ever wondered how funding decisions are made? Do you have questions about serving on a Peer Review Panel and helping to make funding decisions? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” register to attend the Grant Applicant/Awardee Technical Assistance session slated for May 2 at 12 p.m. EDT. You can submit questions now to have answered during the webinar.
|
|
|
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 X (formerly 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.
|
|
|
|
|
