The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced $5.4 million in bioprocessing, bioengineering, biofuels and biobased products research investments through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
They recently awarded $4.8 million for 12 Bioprocessing and Bioengineering grants under NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, and more than $600,000 for six Biofuels and Biobased Products grants under NIFA’s Small Business Innovation Research program.
NIFA Director, Dr. Carrie Castille states, “NIFA’s Bioprocessing and Bioengineering awards fund projects that will stimulate new trade opportunities for the U.S. bio-economy.”
Projects include developing an environmentally friendly approach for wood protection, exploring the use of pennycress, a non-edible oil, in developing biodegradable plastic, and a biobased extended-release insect repellent.
The next Phase 1 request for Small Business Innovation Research applications is scheduled to open in July 2021, with an October 2021 deadline. Learn more at www.nifa.usda.gov.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)