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Making a Difference
Multistate Research Projects Address Avian Influenza
Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a contagious viral disease. Currently, there is no treatment, and outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza lead to mass depopulations of poultry flocks, disrupting the poultry industry and economy.
Avian influenza viruses spread from bird to bird (and to other animal species) through direct contact with infected birds and their saliva, mucus, feathers and feces and via contaminated surfaces and materials.
With funding support from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, scientists at more than 25 universities are working together to develop and share the information, tools and strategies needed to prevent, detect and manage avian influenza.
Supported by NIFA’s Hatch Multistate Research Fund, these projects are addressing avian influenza in a variety of ways. Part of that work is focused on understanding the genetic bases of immunity and resistance to avian influenza, which lays the foundation for breeding disease-resistant poultry and developing better vaccines. Other projects are focused on detection tools, poultry facility designs, and production practices that protect poultry health and welfare. Read more about the impact these projects are having.
Chickens in commercial poultry house. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
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Dr. Goswami Named NIFA’s New IYFC Deputy Director
Dr. Rubella Goswami joined the USDA NIFA Institute of Youth, Family, and Community (IYFC) as Deputy Director on August 25. Previously, she served as the Division Director for Plant Systems-Protection in the Institute of Food Production and Sustainability, where she was also a National Program Leader.
With over 25 years of experience across academia, industry and government, Dr. Goswami has a distinguished career in research, Extension, and education. Before returning to USDA NIFA, she was an Assistant Director for National Identification Services with Plant Protection and Quarantine and served as Chief of the Plant Pest and Protectants Branch within Biotechnology Regulatory Services at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Her professional journey also includes faculty positions at North Dakota State University and Delaware State University, as well as a role in Global R&D with DuPont Crop Protection.
Dr. Goswami earned her doctorate from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom and an undergraduate degree in Agriculture from Banaras Hindu University, India. She is a respected scientist with a strong commitment to teaching and workforce development. Her extensive experience includes work with both 1862 and 1890 Land-grant Universities, underscoring her dedication to the public Land-grant System and its tripartite mission of teaching, research, and Extension. Her leadership credentials are further supported by certifications in Six-Sigma, Corporate Leadership, and Lead 21 (Leadership for the 21st Century).
Dr. Rubella Goswami, NIFA IYFC Deputy Director. NIFA Image.
USDA Food Loss and Waste Program Moves to NIFA
The USDA Food Loss and Waste program has a new home in the Research, Education and Economics mission area under USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture from the Office of the Chief Economist. The Food Loss and Waste program joins the USDA NIFA Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition’s outstanding program portfolio. Visit USDA’s Food Loss and Waste website to learn about USDA’s efforts to strengthen food security, economic growth, and environmental prosperity by addressing the problem of food loss and waste.
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West Virginia State University Opens New Greenhouse Facility
West Virginia State University (WVSU) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently to officially open its new Agriculture Environmental Sciences Greenhouses, funded in part by USDA NIFA’s 1890 Facilities Grants Program and Evans-Allen Research Program. The state-of-the-art greenhouses will provide valuable space for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge agricultural research. NIFA Communications Senior Public Affairs Specialist Matt Browning attended the ceremony.
Matt Browning, USDA NIFA; Bob Rimol, Rimol Greenhouses; Ami Smith, Vice President and Dean & Director for Agricultural Research and Extension, WVSU; Ericke Cage, President, WVSU. Image courtesy of West Virginia State University.
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WVSU Agriculture Environmental Sciences Greenhouses. Image courtesy of West Virginia State University. |
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NIFA Invests $10.7 Million to Pests and Beneficial Species in AFRI’s Agricultural Production Systems Program Projects A1112
USDA NIFA has announced an investment of $10.7 million for 16 projects as part of the Pests and Beneficial Species in Agricultural Production Systems Program. The Pests and Beneficial Species in Agricultural Production Systems program area priority within the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative aims to advance knowledge of invasive or established plant pests and associated beneficial species leading to innovative and biologically based strategies to manage pests. Target agricultural production systems include food and fiber crops, turf and ornamental plants, managed grasslands, rangelands and planted forests.
Additional Award Announcements
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September 9, 1 p.m. EDT: Leveraging Extension and University Engagement: Developing and Implementing Novel Projects Using Transdisciplinary Approaches
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September 18, 3 p.m. EDT: Live FAQ Session: Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agriculture Systems
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September 24, 1:30 p.m. EDT: Food /Nutrition Security: Rapid Response During Extreme Weather Events
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September 27, 2 p.m. EDT: Technical Assistance: Food & Agricultural Non-Formal Education RFA
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October 2, 12 p.m. EDT: USDA Actions on Reducing Food Loss and Waste
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October 3, 12 p.m. EDT: Post-Award Management for Competitive Grants
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October 3, 5 p.m. EDT: Children, Youth and Families At Risk (CYFAR) Listening Session #1
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October 4, 3 p.m. EDT: Children, Youth and Families At Risk (CYFAR) Listening Session #2
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Researchers to Improve Nitrogen-Fixing Capabilities in Soybeans
Soybeans are the world's fourth-most grown crop and are used for foods like tofu and soy-based products but are primarily grown for animal feed. In South Dakota, the 223,080,000 bushels grown in 2023 were valued at over $2.76 billion.
As the need for soybeans increases, South Dakota State University (SDSU) researchers are looking at ways to improve the crop's value and productivity for farmers in the region.
One of the reasons soybeans have become a multibillion-dollar industry and a staple in crop rotations throughout the U.S. is the plant's ability to take nitrogen from the atmosphere and fix it in the plant's root structures with the help of bacteria and then use it as a nutrient. This cuts down on input costs and also reduces the management needs of the crop.
For some high yield varieties, when the soybean plant reaches later growth stages, they are unable to supply the necessary amount of nitrogen. SDSU researchers believe they have a solution. They hypothesize that by delaying the maturity of root nodules in soybean plants, the natural process of biological nitrogen fixation could continue to meet the plant's nutrient needs later in the growth cycle. This would ensure yields remain high without the application of synthetic fertilizers. Read more about this research.
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USDA Agriculture Research Service Seeking Applications for Associate Administrator for National Programs
USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the USDA’s chief scientific in-house research agency, is currently recruiting for the Associate Administrator for National Programs. ARS delivers scientific solutions to national and global agricultural challenges. ARS develops cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain the nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of U.S. agriculture.
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National 4-H Conference Now Recruiting Leadership Positions
Mark your calendar for the 2025 National 4-H Conference, to be held April 11-16 in Arlington, Virginia. Known as “the Secretary’s Conference,” it is USDA’s flagship youth development opportunity. The conference is only possible with the Youth Leadership Team, Collegiate Facilitators and Adult Advisors who provide leadership to conference activities and events.
Youths and adults interested in serving should visit the conference website for position descriptions, leadership interest form and instructions on how to apply. Leadership Interest Forms are due September 4. Join NIFA staff for a 2025 National 4-H Conference Information Session November 21 at 4 p.m. EST. Register online.
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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 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.
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