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Reminder: Using NIFA’s Official Identifier Correctly
The official NIFA identifier was updated in November 2020 and is now comprised of the USDA logo with NIFA signature lockup. Per NIFA regulations and guidelines, it is expected that grantees use NIFA’s official identifier in publications, posters, websites and presentations resulting from their award. The updated official NIFA identifier should be used on all print and digital materials moving forward.
Guidelines
- The integrity of the complete identifier should be maintained in all uses. Additions and deletions to the identifier are not permitted.
- To maintain clear identification, the identifier should always appear proportionally, isolated from other elements, such as titles or graphic devices. It should not be obscured in any way or reproduced against strongly patterned backgrounds that would tend to impair its recognition.
- When it is used in conjunction with symbols of other public and private sector partners, the NIFA identifier should have equal placement.
- Never enlarge a .png or .jpg file beyond 100%.
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Extending the Shelf Life of Fruits
Researchers at South Dakota State University (SDSU) are improving the shelf life of strawberries and raspberries using biodegradable packaging material. They believe that by developing biodegradable packaging material from agriculture residue — the researchers refer to these materials as "films" — they can extend the shelf life of raspberries and strawberries.
Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy, SDSU associate professor, and a team of graduate students have been developing plastic-like films from various biosources to help curb the plastic waste crisis. Most importantly, these films biodegrade in the environment in less than 60 days — much shorter than traditional plastic, which takes nearly 700 years to degrade.
Additionally, the team has been exploring different ways these films could be used. One option is to use them as packaging material to extend the shelf life of perishable fruits. Janaswamy partly credits the UV radiation-blocking properties of the films for being able to extend the shelf life of the fruits, and better control the transfer of moisture and gases. He describes them as "breathable" filters that create a modified atmosphere inside the container. This process better controls water loss from the fruits, which allows them to maintain freshness longer. Read more about this NIFA-supported work.
Researchers from South Dakota State University are developing biodegradable materials that can be used as packaging material to extend perishable fruits’ shelf life. Image courtesy of South Dakota State University.
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 USDA Invests Up To $1 Billion to Combat Avian Flu and Reduce Egg Prices
USDA has announced a $1 billion comprehensive strategy to curb highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), protect the U.S. poultry industry and lower egg prices. Learn more about USDA’s five-pronged approach to address HPAI.
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 USDA Extends Response Deadline for 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will collect responses for the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties until 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. Learn more about the census here.
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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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