The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced $400,000 in available funding to support more women and minority representation in the agricultural science workforce. Funding is made through NIFA’s Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS). “Science must be inclusive to thrive,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “Through investments such …
USDA Announces $150.2 Million in Funding through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $150.2 million in available funding to support projects that build a foundation of knowledge in agricultural sciences to address a range of societal and global challenges such as food security, food safety, sustainable agriculture, and rural entrepreneurship. Funding is made through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative …
Wheat Growers: Prospective Plantings Report Alarming
National Association of Wheat Growers finds wheat plantings included in the Department of Agriculture’s Prospective Plantings report alarming. The recent report anticipates that all wheat plantings will be at 46.1 million acres, which is down eight percent from 2016. For winter wheat specifically, the planted area is estimated at 32.7 million acres, which is down nine percent from last year, …
Making Products More Biodegradable With Starch
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have developed a starch-based coating that improves biodegradability and water resistance in products like paper and plastic films. While 100 percent biodegradable, starch lacks the flexibility necessary for many plastic and coating applications. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a synthetic polymer, is usually used in films and coatings to provide flexibility. However, it has limited biodegradability. …
USDA Seeks Nominees for the Popcorn Research and Promotions Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations to fill two seats on the Popcorn Research and Promotion Board that will come open Dec. 31, 2017. Members are appointed to serve a three-year term. Deadline for nominations is May 1, 2017. Producers that process more than four million pounds of popcorn are eligible to submit up to two nominations …
South Florida Farm Tour-April 27th
USTED ESTÁ INVITADO A UNA DEMOSTRACIÓN DE FINCA – 27 DE ABRIL 4PM A Farm Tour highlighting the benefits of USDA and Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs for Hispanic Farmers. The South Florida Farm Tour takes place Thursday evening, April 27, at 4:00 p.m., Loxahatchee Groves, West Palm Beach. All those considering seeking assistance to improve and expand their business, or …
USDA to Hold Public Meetings on Current Animal Disease Traceability
Could Improvements be made in USDA’s current system of livestock identification and tracking? According to this report from Gary Crawford, officials are going to be gathering ideas about that in meetings across the country. Dr. Sunny Geiser-Novotny, Animal Disease Traceability Liaison with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Ft. Collins, Colorado, talks about why USDA is having stakeholder …
USDA: Agriculture a $992 Billion Economic Factor
Data by the Department of Agriculture shows agriculture and agriculture-related industries contributed $992 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product in 2015, a 5.5-percent share, the most recent USDA statistics.The output of America’s farms contributed $136.7 billion of this sum, about one percent of GDP. USDA says the overall contribution of the agriculture sector to GDP is larger than that …
Funding to Repay Educational Loans for Veterinarians
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $4.2 million in available funding to help eligible veterinarians repay a portion of their veterinary school loans in return for serving in areas of the United States lacking sufficient veterinary resources. Funding is made through NIFA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), authorized by the …
USDA Announces $1.2 Million to Support Aquaculture Research Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $1.2 million in available funding for aquaculture research projects in the areas of genetics, disease, production systems, and economics. Funding is made through NIFA’s Aquaculture Research Competitive Grants Program, authorized by the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act. “Sustainability of the aquaculture industry is important …