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Making a Difference
NextGen Supporting International Learning for Undergraduates
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience for students by expanding their career options and providing invaluable skills and experiences. Through the NEXTGeneration Inclusion Consortium (NIC) Project, students from Tennessee State University (TSU) had the opportunity to participate in international programs focusing on various agricultural sectors in countries such as Senegal, Kenya, England and Japan. Learn more about the study abroad opportunities proved by the NIC project, which is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s NEXTGEN Program.
Tennessee State University (TSU) working with community members as part of their study abroad in Africa. Image courtesy of TSU.
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Conversation with University of Puerto Rico-Utuado Researcher: Dr. Olgaly Ramos-Rodriguez
Learn more about NIFA-funded researcher Dr. Olgaly Ramos-Rodriguez with the University of Puerto Rico (UPR)-Utuado. Dr. Ramos-Rodriguez is currently directing two NIFA-funded grants: Developing Research Experiences in Agriculture through Mentoring at UPR-Utuado and Science, Math, and Agriculture Resources for Teaching Professional Development Program: Advancing Agricultural Literacy with K-8 Teachers in Puerto Rico.
Dr. Olgaly Ramos-Rodriguez with the University of Puerto Rico (UPR)-Utuado. Image courtesy of UPR-Utuado
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 USDA Invests $29 Million to Strengthen WIC Workforce
USDA NIFA has announced a $29 million investment into programs supporting the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Workforce National Strategy. The investment will fund eight projects that support WIC workforce development by addressing the workforce needs of WIC agencies, enhancing diversity and cultural competency, and increasing the uptake of WIC benefits and services.
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Nano-Nutrients Can Blunt Effects of Soil Contamination, Boost Crop Yields
One of the world’s pressing problems is how to grow enough healthy food to meet the increasing global population even as soil contamination rises. Supported by NIFA, an international team of scientists led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst has shown that nutrients on the nanometer scale can not only blunt some of the worst effects of heavy metal and metalloid contamination but increase crop yields and nutrient content. Read more about first comprehensive work on the effectiveness of nano-materials as a class, with results that offer practical insights to help steer sustainable agriculture and global food safety.
Hands holding harvested grain. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
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 USDA Forest Service Announces Open Grant Opportunity
USDA Forest Service has announced it is making up to $34 million in funding available to support innovation and jobs in the forestry sector while supporting healthy forest landscapes. The agency is seeking proposals that will spark innovation, create new markets for sustainable wood products and renewable wood energy, and expand processing capacity.
The funding is available through the Forest Service’s three key grant programs to support the forest products economy: Wood Innovations Grant, Community Wood Grant, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programs. Read more about the grants and how to apply.
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 Funding Opportunity: Extension Risk Management Education Competitive Grants Program
The four regional Extension Risk Management Education Centers have announced a competitive funding opportunity for educational projects designed to help agricultural producers improve their economic viability through targeted risk management strategies. Applications are due Nov. 14. Learn more at the regional centers’ websites.
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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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