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 Reminder: Correctly Acknowledging NIFA Funding
Proper acknowledgment of your USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funding in published manuscripts, posters, presentations, press releases and other communications is critical for the success of our agency’s programs. We ask that you acknowledge USDA NIFA funding by using the following guidance.
Standard USDA NIFA Funding Acknowledgment Language
When acknowledging USDA support in accordance with 2 CFR Part 415, grantees must use the following acknowledgment for all competitive or capacity grants or initiatives supported by NIFA. This statement should be used in scientific publications, presentations, posters and related materials.
"This work is supported by the [Full Program Name, no acronym], project award no. XXXXXXX], from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture."
In addition, all publications and other materials, except scientific articles or papers published in scientific journals, must contain the following statement:
"Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy."
Press Releases and Media Interviews
The awardee is responsible for acknowledging USDA NIFA support in media postings and during news media interviews that discuss work supported by USDA NIFA by using language such as the following:
“This work is/was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.”
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Gene-edited Soil Bacteria Could Provide Third Source of Nitrogen for Corn Production
A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows that gene-edited bacteria can supply the equivalent of 35 pounds of nitrogen from the air during early corn growth, which may reduce the crop’s reliance on nitrogen fertilizer.
Illinois researchers tested commercial products, which include one or two species of soil bacteria, that can turn atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms. The edited versions boost the activity of a key gene involved in nitrogen fixation, making more of it available to plants. When applied at planting, the bacteria colonize plant roots, delivering the nutrient where it is needed most.
The company claims that biologically fixed nitrogen can potentially replace the equivalent of up to 40 pounds per acre of fertilizer nitrogen.
The researchers applied the products at planting during three field seasons using standard agronomic practices for corn, including nitrogen fertilizer at 0, 40, 80, 120, or 200 pounds per acre. They then measured nitrogen in plant tissues at two different plant stages, as well as grain yield.
The analysis showed that, across all nitrogen fertilizer rates, the inoculant increased corn vegetative growth, nitrogen accumulation, kernel number, and yield by 2 bushels per acre on average. At the moderate nitrogen rates, yield was up by 4 bushels per acre which is equivalent to 10-35 pounds of nitrogen per acre of fertilizer.
Study data showed that a positive but moderate yield response to the products. While the products as they are now cannot replace synthetic fertilizers, the research team thinks the technology shows promise and hopes it can be improved to deliver even greater benefits. Read more about this NIFA-supported research.
Experimental plots used to assess inoculant effects across varying nitrogen rates. Image courtesy of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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 USDA Extends Response Deadline for 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will continue to collect responses for the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties through April 18. Conducted every five years, the Census of Horticultural Specialties is the only source of detailed production and sales data for U.S. floriculture, nursery and specialty crop industries, including greenhouse food crops.
NASS enumerators will also continue gathering data and ask that respondents complete and return their survey form as soon as possible. If those who have received the form are no longer involved in horticultural operations, or need assistance completing the questionnaire, they can call toll free at 888-424-7828 so their record can be updated.
The 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties data will expand on the 2022 Census of Agriculture data with information on horticultural crop production, value of products, square footage used for growing crops, production expenses, and more. Learn more about the census here.
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 NIFA Seeking Volunteers for Website Improvement
NIFA’s Web Communications Manager is seeking participants for informal 30-minute one-on-one sessions via Teams to gather feedback on how users interact with NIFA’s website. Your insights will help NIFA enhance the user experience and make the site better for everyone. If you are a current or former grant applicant, awardee or administrative official, we would like to hear from you. To participate, contact NIFA.UserExperience@usda.gov.
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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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