|
Making a Difference
Research Reveals Rice’s Potential for American Brewers
Researchers at the University of Arkansas are showing that one of the state’s top commodities, rice, has a place in beer. Supported in part by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), their work shows that rice can play a pivotal role in developing both flavor and what’s known as extract yield, the amount of fermentable sugars extracted from grains in the brewing process.
The project aims to better understand aromatic rice quality so that varieties developed by U.S. breeders can continue to compete with imported rices like Jasmine and Basmati. As part of that work, the research team is screening hundreds of types of rice for important beer brewing features such as how much sugar can be extracted and the temperature at which starches are released, known as gelatinization temperature. They also are studying aroma profiles to understand how they might affect the beer’s final smell and taste. Read more about their work here.
Scott Lafontaine, assistant professor of food chemistry in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, is co-director of the Arkansas Center for Beverage Innovation with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Image courtesy of University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
|
|
USDA Expands Efforts to Strengthen Rural Food Animal Veterinary Workforce and Protect America’s Food Supply
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a commitment to a Rural Veterinary Action Plan to increase the number of rural food animal veterinarians across the U.S. and recruit new veterinarians to join USDA in their role to protect American ranchers, animals, and our food supply. Animal health threats, foodborne illnesses, and complex trade barriers underscore the need for highly qualified food animal veterinarians; however, a growing shortage of veterinarians has the potential to threaten the safety of our U.S. food supply chain.
Later this year, USDA will make changes to the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program and the Veterinary Services Grant Program, administered by NIFA, to streamline applications to an online portal and will increase funding for these critical programs that have proven success rates. Read more about this effort.
NIFA Seeks Applications for Co-funded Research on Commodity Board Topics
Twelve commodity boards have submitted 18 topics for proposed research through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), NIFA’s flagship competitive grants program. This year’s topics include an expanded emphasis on developing new and existing markets, as well as enhancing farm profitability through improved management practices and labor efficiencies. Other topics focus on improving health outcomes, advancing plant breeding, or better understanding consumer behavior. See the AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Request for Applications or visit the NIFA website for more information. Applications are due Oct. 2.
|
|
Nebraska-developed Vaccine Protects Against Swine, Human and Bird Flu
Annual flu shots could become a thing of the past under a new vaccine strategy developed and tested by a research team at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Research findings published in Nature Communications reveal a possible breakthrough. The study, “Epitope-Optimized Vaccine Elicits Cross-Species Immunity Against Influenza A Virus,” describes a vaccine that protects against H1N1 swine flu and can also protect against influenza in humans and birds. Read more about the NIFA supported work being done at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Researcher at work in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Virology Center. Image courtesy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
|
|
|
USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have evaluated whether the Hawai’i-grown lemons and limes can serve as hosts for Mediterranean fruit flies and other pests. In the ARS studies, host status testing was conducted using no-choice laboratory and field cage tests as well as field collection of fruits. Findings show promise in the safe overseas export of commercial quality and non-damaged Lisbon lemons and Persian limes. Read more about this work that could make it easier and more economically beneficial for growers to export to more markets.
Persian Limes. Image courtesy of Peter Follett, USDA ARS.
|
|
|
Recent Executive Order on Oversight of Federal Grantmaking
On Aug. 7, the White House released an Executive Order focused on improving oversight of federal grantmaking. Read the full Executive Order here.
Public Comment Extended on USDA Reorganization Plan
The public comment period has been extended for stakeholders to provide feedback on USDA’s reorganization plan, as outlined in Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins’ memorandum issued July 24. All stakeholders, including USDA employees, members of Congress and agricultural and nutrition partners, are encouraged to provide feedback by emailing reorganization@usda.gov. The comment period closes Sept. 30.
|
|
|
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 Gabriel de Zayas, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Gabriel.DeZayasrodriguez@usda.gov or (202) 655-7842 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.
|
|
|
|
|
